Understanding & Taking Care of Your Voice! …How the voice works, cold & flu prevention and vocal abuse.

How is vocal sound produced? Vocal sound is produced by vibration of the vocal folds. Vocal sound is produced by vibration of the vocal folds. The vocal folds are two bands of smooth muscle tissue that lie opposite each other. They are located in the larynx or voice box. The vocal folds are two bands of smooth muscle tissue that lie opposite each other. They are located in the larynx or voice box. The larynx is positioned between the base of the tongue and the top of the trachea (windpipe), the passageway to the lungs. The larynx is positioned between the base of the tongue and the top of the trachea (windpipe), the passageway to the lungs. When at rest, the vocal folds are open to allow an individual to breathe. When at rest, the vocal folds are open to allow an individual to breathe. Vocal sound is produced by vibration of the vocal folds. Vocal sound is produced by vibration of the vocal folds. The vocal folds are two bands of smooth muscle tissue that lie opposite each other. They are located in the larynx or voice box. The vocal folds are two bands of smooth muscle tissue that lie opposite each other. They are located in the larynx or voice box. The larynx is positioned between the base of the tongue and the top of the trachea (windpipe), the passageway to the lungs. The larynx is positioned between the base of the tongue and the top of the trachea (windpipe), the passageway to the lungs. When at rest, the vocal folds are open to allow an individual to breathe. When at rest, the vocal folds are open to allow an individual to breathe.

How is voice produced? First, the folds come together in a firm but relaxed way. First, the folds come together in a firm but relaxed way. Air from the lungs passes through them, causing vibration and thus making sound. Air from the lungs passes through them, causing vibration and thus making sound. The sound from this vibration then travels through the throat, nose, and mouth (resonating cavities). The sound from this vibration then travels through the throat, nose, and mouth (resonating cavities). The size and shape of these cavities, along with the size and shape of the vocal folds, help to determine voice quality. The size and shape of these cavities, along with the size and shape of the vocal folds, help to determine voice quality. First, the folds come together in a firm but relaxed way. First, the folds come together in a firm but relaxed way. Air from the lungs passes through them, causing vibration and thus making sound. Air from the lungs passes through them, causing vibration and thus making sound. The sound from this vibration then travels through the throat, nose, and mouth (resonating cavities). The sound from this vibration then travels through the throat, nose, and mouth (resonating cavities). The size and shape of these cavities, along with the size and shape of the vocal folds, help to determine voice quality. The size and shape of these cavities, along with the size and shape of the vocal folds, help to determine voice quality. Variety within an individual voice is the result of lengthening or shortening, tensing or relaxing the vocal folds. Variety within an individual voice is the result of lengthening or shortening, tensing or relaxing the vocal folds. Moving the cartilages, or soft, flexible bone-like tissues to which the folds are attached, makes these adjustments possible. Moving the cartilages, or soft, flexible bone-like tissues to which the folds are attached, makes these adjustments possible. Shortening and relaxing the vocal folds makes a deep voice; lengthening and tensing them produces a high-pitched voice. Shortening and relaxing the vocal folds makes a deep voice; lengthening and tensing them produces a high-pitched voice.

Larynx

12 Tips to Prevent Cold & Flu 1. WASH YOUR HANDS 2. DON’T COVER YOUR SNEEZES & COUGHS WITH YOUR HANDS - if you can help it, use a tissue 3. DON’T TOUCH YOUR FACE 4. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS 5. VISIT A SAUNA 6. GET FRESH AIR - germs like the indoors 7. DO AEROBIC EXERCISE REGULARLY 8. EAT DARK GREEN, RED AND YELLOW VEGETABLE AND FRUITS 1. WASH YOUR HANDS 2. DON’T COVER YOUR SNEEZES & COUGHS WITH YOUR HANDS - if you can help it, use a tissue 3. DON’T TOUCH YOUR FACE 4. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS 5. VISIT A SAUNA 6. GET FRESH AIR - germs like the indoors 7. DO AEROBIC EXERCISE REGULARLY 8. EAT DARK GREEN, RED AND YELLOW VEGETABLE AND FRUITS

12 Tips to Prevent Cold & Flu 9. EAT YOGURT - reduces colds by 25% 10. DON’T SMOKE! - even being around it zaps your immune system - it dries out your nasal passages - paralyzes cilia in nose 11. NO ALCOHOL - destroys the liver; the body’s filtering system 12. RELAX - it can activate your immune system 9. EAT YOGURT - reduces colds by 25% 10. DON’T SMOKE! - even being around it zaps your immune system - it dries out your nasal passages - paralyzes cilia in nose 11. NO ALCOHOL - destroys the liver; the body’s filtering system 12. RELAX - it can activate your immune system

Vocalists Guide to Recovery Drink plenty of water Drink plenty of water REST! … sleep BEFORE midnight REST! … sleep BEFORE midnight Avoid severe/violent coughing - can injure the vocal folds Avoid severe/violent coughing - can injure the vocal folds Vitamins C and D Vitamins C and D Steam Inhalation - hot Steam Inhalation - hot Vocal Rest - Avoid singing and talking until medications are finished to allow inflammation to reduce Vocal Rest - Avoid singing and talking until medications are finished to allow inflammation to reduce Avoid caffeinated tea, coffee, cream & alcohol before singing - these can have a dehydrating effect Avoid caffeinated tea, coffee, cream & alcohol before singing - these can have a dehydrating effect Drink plenty of water Drink plenty of water REST! … sleep BEFORE midnight REST! … sleep BEFORE midnight Avoid severe/violent coughing - can injure the vocal folds Avoid severe/violent coughing - can injure the vocal folds Vitamins C and D Vitamins C and D Steam Inhalation - hot Steam Inhalation - hot Vocal Rest - Avoid singing and talking until medications are finished to allow inflammation to reduce Vocal Rest - Avoid singing and talking until medications are finished to allow inflammation to reduce Avoid caffeinated tea, coffee, cream & alcohol before singing - these can have a dehydrating effect Avoid caffeinated tea, coffee, cream & alcohol before singing - these can have a dehydrating effect

Vocalists Guide to Recovery Avoid yelling and screaming if possible Avoid yelling and screaming if possible If hoarse, talk in a higher register If hoarse, talk in a higher register Don’t allow that “froggy” sound! Don’t allow that “froggy” sound! If any part of your throat hurts when you sing, DON’T SING! If any part of your throat hurts when you sing, DON’T SING! Once recovered, begin with humming for 5-10 mins then build up to exercises in your mid-range Once recovered, begin with humming for 5-10 mins then build up to exercises in your mid-range Avoid throat spray products Avoid throat spray products Avoid yelling and screaming if possible Avoid yelling and screaming if possible If hoarse, talk in a higher register If hoarse, talk in a higher register Don’t allow that “froggy” sound! Don’t allow that “froggy” sound! If any part of your throat hurts when you sing, DON’T SING! If any part of your throat hurts when you sing, DON’T SING! Once recovered, begin with humming for 5-10 mins then build up to exercises in your mid-range Once recovered, begin with humming for 5-10 mins then build up to exercises in your mid-range Avoid throat spray products Avoid throat spray products

Normal Larynx

Signs of Vocal Abuse: Throat is tender to the touch after use Throat is tender to the touch after use Voice is hoarse at the end of singing Voice is hoarse at the end of singing Throat is very dry, with a noticeable tickle - check dehydration Throat is very dry, with a noticeable tickle - check dehydration Inability to produce your highest notes at a pianissimo volume Inability to produce your highest notes at a pianissimo volume Hoarseness or inability to sing with a clear voice after hours of vocal rest Hoarseness or inability to sing with a clear voice after hours of vocal rest Throat is tender to the touch after use Throat is tender to the touch after use Voice is hoarse at the end of singing Voice is hoarse at the end of singing Throat is very dry, with a noticeable tickle - check dehydration Throat is very dry, with a noticeable tickle - check dehydration Inability to produce your highest notes at a pianissimo volume Inability to produce your highest notes at a pianissimo volume Hoarseness or inability to sing with a clear voice after hours of vocal rest Hoarseness or inability to sing with a clear voice after hours of vocal rest

Vocal Nodule A callus on a vocal fold that results from vocal abuse. A callus on a vocal fold that results from vocal abuse. Can get bad enough to require surgical removal Can get bad enough to require surgical removal Common treatment is simply vocal rest - up to 4 weeks! Common treatment is simply vocal rest - up to 4 weeks! A callus on a vocal fold that results from vocal abuse. A callus on a vocal fold that results from vocal abuse. Can get bad enough to require surgical removal Can get bad enough to require surgical removal Common treatment is simply vocal rest - up to 4 weeks! Common treatment is simply vocal rest - up to 4 weeks!

Laryngopharyngeal (Acid) Reflux Swelling to the back of the larynx because of acid caused by reflux. Normal larynx ^ Mr. Smith’s larynx!

Vocal Cyst A collection of fluid in a sac-like structure A collection of fluid in a sac-like structure Lesion that can occur singly or in pairs Lesion that can occur singly or in pairs Surgery usually required to remove a cyst followed by vocal rest Surgery usually required to remove a cyst followed by vocal rest A collection of fluid in a sac-like structure A collection of fluid in a sac-like structure Lesion that can occur singly or in pairs Lesion that can occur singly or in pairs Surgery usually required to remove a cyst followed by vocal rest Surgery usually required to remove a cyst followed by vocal rest

Polyp Lesions that develop from vocal abuse Lesions that develop from vocal abuse Similar to a blister Similar to a blister Lesions that develop from vocal abuse Lesions that develop from vocal abuse Similar to a blister Similar to a blister

Vocal Fold Hemorrhage A broken blood vessel in the mucosal layer of the fold. A broken blood vessel in the mucosal layer of the fold. These may rupture and bleed after loud voicing, after sustained voicing, or when they are more fragile than normal - i.e. when they are swollen during laryngitis. These may rupture and bleed after loud voicing, after sustained voicing, or when they are more fragile than normal - i.e. when they are swollen during laryngitis. A broken blood vessel in the mucosal layer of the fold. A broken blood vessel in the mucosal layer of the fold. These may rupture and bleed after loud voicing, after sustained voicing, or when they are more fragile than normal - i.e. when they are swollen during laryngitis. These may rupture and bleed after loud voicing, after sustained voicing, or when they are more fragile than normal - i.e. when they are swollen during laryngitis.

SO… Maintaining Vocal Health! Eat a balanced diet - when using your voice a lot, avoid large amounts of salt & sugar, spicy food, alcohol, caffeinated beverages & artificially sweetened beverages. Eat a balanced diet - when using your voice a lot, avoid large amounts of salt & sugar, spicy food, alcohol, caffeinated beverages & artificially sweetened beverages. Maintain body hydration - 7 to 9 glasses of water a day Maintain body hydration - 7 to 9 glasses of water a day Avoid dry artificial climates Avoid dry artificial climates Avoid smoking or breathing smoggy polluted air Avoid smoking or breathing smoggy polluted air Avoid singing in a tessitura at the extremes of your own range - VOCAL SUICIDE Avoid singing in a tessitura at the extremes of your own range - VOCAL SUICIDE Avoid continual heavy throat clearing - be gentle with the folds! Avoid continual heavy throat clearing - be gentle with the folds! Emotional and physical stress contribute to vocal distress Emotional and physical stress contribute to vocal distress Avoid screaming and yelling in excess - abusive to the chords Avoid screaming and yelling in excess - abusive to the chords Talk in a comfortable, not “froggy” register Talk in a comfortable, not “froggy” register Eat a balanced diet - when using your voice a lot, avoid large amounts of salt & sugar, spicy food, alcohol, caffeinated beverages & artificially sweetened beverages. Eat a balanced diet - when using your voice a lot, avoid large amounts of salt & sugar, spicy food, alcohol, caffeinated beverages & artificially sweetened beverages. Maintain body hydration - 7 to 9 glasses of water a day Maintain body hydration - 7 to 9 glasses of water a day Avoid dry artificial climates Avoid dry artificial climates Avoid smoking or breathing smoggy polluted air Avoid smoking or breathing smoggy polluted air Avoid singing in a tessitura at the extremes of your own range - VOCAL SUICIDE Avoid singing in a tessitura at the extremes of your own range - VOCAL SUICIDE Avoid continual heavy throat clearing - be gentle with the folds! Avoid continual heavy throat clearing - be gentle with the folds! Emotional and physical stress contribute to vocal distress Emotional and physical stress contribute to vocal distress Avoid screaming and yelling in excess - abusive to the chords Avoid screaming and yelling in excess - abusive to the chords Talk in a comfortable, not “froggy” register Talk in a comfortable, not “froggy” register