Sore Throat From Singing...

Question: My name is Hydir :) My voice can become horse when singing. How can I avoid getting a sore throat? in order words, how to take care of our voice while I am in a singing competition?

Answert: Hydir, Great question. A wise man once said; that pain is our body's way of telling us that something is wrong. A sore, irritated singing throat is often created by poor vocal technique. My best advise would be to suggest you seek out a qualified vocal coach who can improve your technique and end your pain. That being said, I'll give you some ideas.

Soreness can be created in a variety of ways: dehydration, non-voiced vocal folds, over-blowing the vocal cords (too much pressure), not supporting your tone by using the diaphragm to control sound when singing. (The diaphragm is a muscle at the base of the rib cage you flex when you cough.) Solution: This may be helpful. #1 When you sing, create a space in your mouth, by keeping the tongue low, lying flat like a rug, with a little yawn sensation at the back of your throat. #2 to control your voice, flex your belly to control air, instead of squeezing at the throat. The sensation can feel like blowing out 25 candles on a birthday cake. #3 Sing on your vowels, instead of consonants. Vowels really vibrate the vocal cords, moisturizing them and create resonance. Most consonants "anti-sounds" restrict air from leaving your body, and create tension and restriction on the vocal folds (not great for speaking or singing).

Another Exercise: If you are singing "Forever" using informal speech such as fOHr-EH-vUH not formal speech such as Foh-Reh-VeR. There are many techniques to assist you. You can have lots of fun with informal speech. Such as changing the phrase "Don't You Ever" into "Doan-Chew-Evuh". Listen to your favorite pop singers, they are masters at it. Keep practicing, you will go from OK to Good, from Good to Great, from Great to amazing.