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To: Vocalist <vocalist>
From: Naomi Gurt Lind
Subject: re: voice care
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

Jay wrote:

>Also, can anyone give me hints on a really fine long-term vocal care
>program? I am a 16-year-old baritone and plan on going into the "field"
>when I get older. As of now, I do a TON of extra-curricular singing which
>is great for the experience, but bad for the voice if not treated properly.
>I do AT LEAST 1 and a half hours of singing a day in chorus alone. This
>doesn't even count my bi-weekly 45 minute voice lesson, hour choir practice
>at church and a plethora of Honor Choruses and Choral Workshops. This
>Saturday I have state auditions for a Governor's Honors Summer Program, and
>I need my voice to be top-notch! So, in short, does anyone have any tips
>for the up keep of one's voice?

You are so wise to be aware of this. A lot of voice care is really tied up
in general health -- eat nutritiously, get enough rest, be sensible about
alcohol use (a little goes a long way), avoid drugs including nicotine, do
some exercise regularly, incorporate some relaxation time into your
schedule. Voice-specific things I would add: Drink lots of water. Avoid
caffeine. If your voice doesn't feel right, rest it. By learning to tune
in to your body you are giving yourself a gift that will last your lifetime!

Naomi Gurt Lind