Any singers here? What's the best way to clear my vocal cords

[hedgehog]

before singing? I'm not a professional, just part of a church choir. Lately my Sjogren's means I always need to clear my throat before singing, but I don't want to damage my vocal cords. I've thought about using guaifenesin ahead of time, what do you think?

[Le Taz Hot]

1. Don't "voice" when you clear,

that just aggravates your vocal cords. If you're using liquid to help clear, use room-temperature water only. Believe it or not, drinking coffee before a performance (not RIGHT before) will help clear your bronchial tubes which aids in deepening your breaths.

That's all I can think of for the moment.

[OakCliffDem]

2. WHISKEY - Straight Burbon Whiskey

And bring enough for everyone in the choir.

(Just how do you think Ezekiel saw that wheel anyway?)

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. My voice teacher swears by Gatorade.

It seems to be more lubricating than plain water. Don't use guaifenesin, it will just make your throat more dry.

[mnhtnbb]

4. Check out this advice

http://www.1000voices.org/a-cappella-blog/preparing-voice/


I did several shows (theater) with an older woman who swore by honey. She always had
some back stage.

We were not miked and performing in a theater built in 1927 with 1200 seats.

[trof]

5. Gargle with egg whites.

[Le Taz Hot]

6. . . .

[Zekar]

7. Guaifenasen works for me.

I recommend trying it some day when you are not singing.

I haven't been able to sing for a few years. No nodes, no tumors, apparently just vocal burning called both Silent GERD and LPR. I have been treating with betaine hydrochloric acid w/pepsin (6 per meal) and super enzymes for a couple of months.

Frustrated, I went back to my choir as a start. Most difficult the first rehearsal (trouble with lower ranges and cracking voice like a teenaged boy's). Next one, I took guai an hour before and actually heard a voice. And every rehearsal since. I keep sounding better and better.

Personally, I do not get a dry throat with this and I'm glad there's something reputed to moisten the vocal folds. I'll do almost anything.

I've always had a lovely bel canto voice and I don't know if I'll ever get that back, but I'll try. I always swore I wouldn't be one of those aging women who keeps forcing solos on people, while having a reedy and unpleasant voice, but not hearing it.

And each time we've rehearsed, I've done a helluva Halleljah chorus <g> But I don't know if I'll ever be able to do those high notes, and probably never another solo!

Good luck to you.

[lindysalsagal]

8. avoid any kind of dairy: creates mucus

I have 2 degrees in singing, but I don't know your condition.

Straight hot tea is always good and won't hurt anything.

Not knowing your condition, I can guess that any kind of listerine gargle might help. I used it when I had a head cold while pregnant. But as said above, try it well before performance night to see what happens.

Whatever you do, clearing your throat with the typical "ah-hem" scraping is very bad, as is talking in a loud room.

[panader0]

9. Go into the rest room and scream at the top of your lungs.

Then a shot of tequila or two.
When I was in a band....

[BlueSpot]

10. Lemon juice n/t