Become an outstanding vocalist: top tips

Of course, it is quite difficult to follow different rules in the bustle of days. Especially when there are a lot of them, however, if you choose just a few of them and stick to them, your voice and stage skills will thank you so much! 

Drink water

This applies to all people in general, not only to vocalists. Water moisturizes the vocal cords and acts as a lubricant. The voice becomes more flexible and elastic, and the high notes are clearer and more accurate. 

Eat fruit and vegetables

Fruits with high moisture content are especially beneficial. Eat watermelons and melons. Drink water with small pieces of melon.

Eat light food

Forget about beef, pork, and heavy sauces. Light meals do not waste your energy. Chicken, turkey, fish, tofu beans are rich in highly digestible protein. Drink freshly squeezed juices (just not orange, if you don’t want acid in your throat): carrots, celery, etc. Cabbage, parsley, beets, apples are all excellent sources of energy. Remember to take vitamins whenever possible. 

Rinse throat with warm salt water

Before starting any rehearsal, vocal lesson, concert or recording, gargle with saltwater. It doesn’t taste good, but it doesn’t matter; you don’t need to swallow it. 

Take care of your nose

Even if you are not sick, clean your nose with a saltwater spray for three days before performing or recording. It is not harmful. Avoid using different drops that quickly relieve congestion and are addictive. 

Avoid dairy products

On the day of the show, of course. No cheese, milk, yogurt, etc. Dairy products produce phlegm, which interferes with the high-quality extraction of notes. 

Avoid caffeine

Even if you really need to cheer up before a concert, take a walk or take a cold shower. But coffee, black and green tea, cola, hot chocolate, all of these foods cause dehydration that you don’t need when it comes to performing. 

Avoid spicy food

For some, spicy foods cause heartburn and dry out the ligaments. And this is the reason for the problems with high notes and the transition to them. In the worst case, you can lose your voice altogether for a while at the moment of transition to a high note. Also, at the most inopportune moment, burping can happen, which will be unnecessary unless the aesthetics of your songs allows you to burp into the microphone during performances. You can eat jalapenos and other not very spicy foods; the main thing is not to overdo it and put off the Tabasco sauce for later. 

Never eat at night

Another tip from the Obvious Captain’s arsenal, but that doesn’t stop some from continuing to overeat at night. Let it be at least three hours before bed! Late meals also cause heartburn no matter what you eat. If you are full, try to stay in an elevated position, for example, reclining on two pillows. This will help the acids in your belly stay there and not get to your ligaments. 

No alcohol before a performance

If you have problems with courage, then it is better to solve them by training from concert to concert, and not with vodka or cognac. A mug of beer or a glass of wine, of course, will not kill you, but it will not help you in any way. Try not to drink any very strong drinks for three days to avoid dehydration. 

Smoke less

If you are a heavy smoker, you have probably thought about quitting more than once. Here’s an attraction for you: quit smoking for three days before each concert. You will be healthier, and your ligaments will be less stressed. There is some charm in a smoky hoarse voice, but if you want to sing well for many years, it is better to reconsider your attitude to smoking. 

Have 8-10 hours of sleep

In most cases, this is impossible due to work and other circumstances, but if everything in your life is more or less measured, then devote more time to sleep. If you have trouble sleeping, then herbal tea or 500mg of calcium before bed are at your service!