What's wrong with my voice?

Every so often a student may say "I can not reach the high notes at the moment" or "I am not sounding as good as I usually do".

Firstly, you need to be vocally warmed up before best results can be heard.

Secondly, if you are not physically well e.g. you have a sore throat, a cold, flu, heyfever, laryngitis etc, your voice may not perform to its fullest.

As a singer you also need to avoid smoking and abusing the voice. Vocal abuse can be caused by singing incorrectly, louder than the voice can handle, and for long periods of time.

Failing these, it may be that you are simply:

• tired (been busy at work lately?)
• stressed (got a lot more responsibilities than normal?)
• physically exhausted (working harder and later hours than usual?)

What should I do now?

If any of the above dot points apply to you, do not push your voice beyond its limits. There is a tendency to work the voice harder in an attempt to achieve the results you are used to achieving under normal circumstances.

Accept that when the current 'season' passes and life gets back to normal, so will the voice. In the meantime do not overextend it, but instead hold back from voice work that will extend it more than what you can manage.

If you are physically unwell, or have any doubts or questions about your voice, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Remember you don't know what you don't know. The wellbeing of the larynx (voice box) is too precious to take any chances.

Tips for a tired voice:

•  rest the voice as much as possible-keep singing and talking to a minimum.
• when singing is required do not sing in full voice were it is not necessary. Instead  apply 'marking'.
• try steam inhalations to remediate and hydrate the vocal folds (see 8 Steps to Vocal Health article)
• drink plenty of water and also try drink hot tea, lemon and honey for their natural healing qualities
• never hesitate to see your GP for a thorough examination and diagnosis. Your GP may refer you to an Ear Nose & Throat (ENT) specialist.