Singers vs. Instrumentalists (Please warmup your voice!)

Singers are very lucky relative to instrumentalists.  As singers, our instrument is free, and it rarely requires training to produce some musical pitches.  Have you ever heard a little kid try to learn the violin or tuba?? 

The fact that our instrument is inherent to our bodies creates a problem.  We tend to take for granted that our instrument will always be there.  However, recent news of talented singers such as Adele canceling concerts to have surgery should be a wake-up call.  The reality is that singers rely on two small, easily injured vocal folds to create a beautiful sound.  It is our responsibility to take care of ourselves.  While physical fitness, eating, and exercising are very important, the single most important thing a singer can do to take care of their instrument is to warmup.

Every singer, before a lesson, concert, or rehearsal, should give themselves 10-15 minutes to gradually warm the voice for a long exertion (singing is tough work!).  The larynx, lungs, diaphragm, and other parts related to singing are just like our muscles in sports; they need to be stretched and warm to prevent injury down the road.  As a voice teacher, I give my students tailored warmups specific to their vocal needs so that vocal injury will not happen.

DWS