[EastValleyChoraleMaillist] FW: Chris Beatty..vocal coach

[Bruce Cochran]

 <http://chrisbeatty.com> Chris Beatty 

 

 


 <http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ChrisBeatty-VocalCoach/~3/yhe8YUr5huY/>
Spring Has Sprung Along with Allergens 

Posted: 10 Apr 2009 04:51 PM PDT

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

As the new life of spring begins to unfold, and winter is once again put to
rest a number of events take place.  New life begins to show in all its
glory in the plants and trees.  This is accompanied by hundreds of millions
of allergens taking to the air and seemingly seeking out singers everywhere.

I do love this season of the year, partially because of its beauty and
partially because I seldom have allergy issues. For many of you, however,
it's time for one of several regular seasonal sinus infections, sneezing
attacks and laryngitis.  With Easter music upon us, senior recitals looming
plus lots of normal vocal activities it can be a challenge.

Your first line of defense is to try and stay healthy with good eating,
reasonable exercise and plenty of rest.  Along with that you should consider
the following tools:

1.       NeilMed Sinus Rinse (squeeze bottle version).  This inexpensive
nasal and sinus rinse flushes and irrigates nasal and sinus areas.  It's
like cleaning an air filter that it filled with pollen, smoke, smog, house
dust etc.  It helps with post nasal drip, congestion and dryness. My wife,
Carole, uses it once or twice a day at the recommendation of her allergist
and it has changed her life.  Many of our singers use it daily with
wonderful results.  You can find it at any Walgreens near the pharmacy for
about $14.95.  We have also seen it as Costco for a very good price.

2.      Entertainer's Secret Throat Spray is a topical moisturizer that
coats the nasal passages, sinuses and upper throat with aloe vera and other
mucus-like ingredients that resemble the natural mucus.  It helps counter
dryness from air conditioning as well as dryness caused by most medications.
This is available from www.vocalcoach.com . (3 bottles for $20.85).

3.      Vick's Personal Steam Inhaler is another safe and inexpensive tool
that I am never without.  When I am called to the recording studio to help a
singer who has a tired voice it's the first tool we use.  As you place your
mouth and nose in the soft plastic mask and breathe, steam comes in to
cleanse not only the nasal passages and sinuses but also the vocal folds.
And, it's a  great non-medicine way to reduce swelling from mild laryngitis
caused by allergies or a bit of over use of the voice.  Walgreens has their
own model, but I personally prefer the Vick's (made by Kaz), due to its
smaller size for travel.   I've seen them priced from $19.95 to $29.95.

4.      Another tool is you doing relaxed, resonant, buzzing vocal
exercises.  Begin by humming while doing a chewing action with the mouth.
The humming will help vibrate loose any congestion and the chewing jaw
action guarantees that there is no tension in the face and jaw.  This is a
great way to start the day for anyone who uses their voice for business,
teaching or singing.

While all this may seem like a lot of work just to keep the voice going,
it's actually not.  And, because the voice is a physical, mechanical,
acoustical instrument it's not surprising that such practices are necessary
to keep you healthy.  In fact, numbers 1, 2 and 4 above should be a part of
most singers regular regimen.  But no matter what your vocal use, whether it
be mostly for business, teaching, coaching or singing, doing the right
preparation will give you the right results.

Proper preparation prevents poor performance in all areas of your life, not
just singing. Carole and I recently saw it applied to professional baseball
during 19 NY Yankees Spring Training games in Florida.  As we observed the
meticulous and lengthy stretching and warm-ups we saw that the biggest stars
were the first ones on the field for preparation.  They stretched more, ran
more, threw more and generally got their bodies and minds in the game,
before the game.  What a great example to those of us using our voices for
the Lord.

In closing, here are two more opportunities to help you be your best:

1.     VIDEO VOCAL COACHING.  If you have a camera and mic on your computer,
and are interested in two-way VIDEO VOCAL COACHING let me know by emailing
chris at vocalcoach.com .  Just put VIDEO VOCAL COACHING in the subject line.
We are doing individual coaching and will soon begin small classes covering
different areas of voice technique.  It's an effective and inexpensive way
to advance your vocal skills.

2.      <http://www.chrisbeatty.com> WWW.CHRISBEATTY.COM is the Vocal Coach
blog.  It's filled with free articles and tips.  Visit it soon.

 


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