THE IMPORTANCE OF CARING FOR YOUR VOICE WHILE ON TOUR

As an Artist, touring and live shows will be a large part of your career. Whether going out on a short tour or extended tour that lasts several months, it’s important that you take care of your voice while touring.

Due to extended hours and singing nightly, it’s easy to experience vocal cord injury, or experience laryngitis and hoarseness. Touring can be fun, yet exhausting due to back-to-back performances, the overwhelming pressure and demand of putting on an amazing show for your fans. It’s extremely important to never forget your voice is an instrument, and it needs the proper care. The worst thing you can do is neglect your voice while touring.

“Never forget your voice is an instrument.”

Here are some practical tips to help maintain your vocal health on the road:

1. Establish a Consistent Warm-Up Routine

• Before every performance, take time to properly warm up your voice. Gentle vocal exercises like humming, lip trills, or light scales can prepare your vocal cords for the strain of singing.

  
  

2. Prioritize Rest and Recovery

• Get adequate sleep each night (aim for 7-9 hours) to allow your body and voice to recover. Try to keep a regular sleep schedule, even if you’re traveling across time zones.

• If possible, incorporate vocal rest days where you do not sing at all to allow your vocal cords to recover.

  
  

3. Hydrate Constantly

• Drink water regularly, even when you're not thirsty, and avoid dehydrating drinks like caffeine and alcohol.

• Room temperature water is best for your vocal cords, as cold or hot drinks can cause irritation.

• Consider drinking herbal teas (without caffeine) or water with honey for soothing effects.

  
  

4. Use a Humidifier

• In dry environments, using a humidifier in your hotel room or dressing room can help keep your vocal cords hydrated, and can also reduce mucus buildup

  
  

5. Monitor Your Speaking Voice

• Limit talking over loud sounds (like in noisy venues or during travel) to avoid straining your voice.

• Try to rest your voice in between shows, and avoid unnecessary conversations.

  
  

6. Stay Away from Irritants

• Avoid smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke, as well as environments with excessive dust or strong perfumes. These can irritate your throat and vocal cords.

• Be cautious with spicy foods or acidic beverages (like citrus or alcohol), which can cause acid reflux and irritate the vocal cords.

  
  

7. Support Your Body

• Take care of your overall health: Stay active, eat nutritious meals, and avoid fried foods, and foods wirth dairy.

• If you feel tension in your neck, shoulders, or jaw, address it with gentle stretches or massages—tension in these areas can transfer to vocal strain.

  
  

8. Warm Down After Shows

• After a performance, give your voice a chance to cool down. Gentle humming or soft vocalizing can help relax your vocal cords and prevent them from staying tight after a demanding show.

  
  

9. Use Proper Vocal Technique

• Make sure you’re using healthy vocal techniques during performances. This includes supporting your voice with proper breath control and avoiding over-singing or straining.

• If you're unsure about your technique, consider working with a vocal coach during your off-days to ensure you're not putting unnecessary stress on your voice.

  
  

10. Keep Track of Your Health

• If you feel any signs of vocal fatigue, soreness, or discomfort, don’t ignore it. Consider seeing a vocal coach or an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) who can monitor your vocal health while on tour.