Eve Sophia

Singing is an odd duck.  This comes from a singer of 40 years.  Ha!  Singers are odd ducks too.  We turn ourselves into human instruments and then hope the general public likes what we have to offer.  We’re nice people in spite of the fact that some folks call us “divas.”  And yes, we make noise.  Big noise!  Ever had your apartment neighbors knock on your door or write lousy letters to you to shut up?  A rare treat indeed.  Or how about the people who have done half the training you have but pretend to be as accomplished as you…not!  And let’s not forget the group that knows everything about singing but haven’t pursued the vocation at all or don’t even sing in the shower!  I think that is the group that taught me how to smile professionally.  I always had a nice smile but there have been moments in my singing life that have definitely influenced my professional smile (and how long I can hold it).  You betcha!

But in spite of all this, we press on.  It’s in our blood.  Or as my long time voice teacher, Dr. Ronald Combs, used to say, “People have no idea what goes on at voice lessons.” 

If you are a singer, beginner or pro, and you think you’re weird, suffice to say you are.  But embrace it and know you are in good company.  After all, people who don’t sing don’t really know what kind of guts it takes to study voice, and then perform in front of people, and that’s after you were born with the talent.  And try to have a career?  O Bozhe moi!  So the next time someone calls you a “diva” wear it like a badge!

Singing is me.  I’m nothing if not a singer.  I’ve listened to a lot of voices, taught a lot of voices (and still do), and heard a lot of “stuff” in voices that I love or hate.  This singing page is for the best advice I can give on voice and singing, and musings on the subject as well.  Right now we are entering a period of time when there is a lot of singing going on…spring concerts, college recitals, and church music with Easter on the horizon.  So a lot of people are practicing long hours and worrying about their voices.  And with the change in weather from the cold and dry winter to spring, with its budding flowers and trees and grass and…allergies, the old adage applies…”singers live in fear of their next cold.”  Ha!  Truer words were never spoken.

My advice for the current situation is to NOT overdo it at all.  Practice when you are healthy, don’t practice long hours at one time, and above all, when you are ready to sing (perform), another old singing adage applies…”never leave your voice in the practice room.”  Vocalize and practice your music in the days before you have to perform.  The day of the performance should be given over to not using your voice too much and vocalizing just to warm up.  Other than that, shut up!

Voices thrive on healthy activities, just like your bodies.  Lots of sleep is a must.  Foods that give you energy and digest well are also a must.  For example, red meat digests more slowly than poultry, a softer meat.  You might think about that when your next performance is upon you.  When I was giving my graduate recital some years ago, I ate Eve-friendly foods that I knew wouldn’t give me heartburn and would digest easily.  I had a dinner of chicken, potatoes and broccoli, with an apple for dessert, and I ate this about 3 hours before show time.  It served me well.

Also, drink water.  I never recommend anything else before singing.  Hot drinks tend to dry you up and cold ones are just too cold.  Avoid citrus as that dries you up as well.  I always advise to NOT submit your vocal folds to extreme temperatures when you have to sing.  Cool water, sipped regularly, serves you best.  And always drink water in your daily life as well.  Just drink water.  Forget soda, juice and too much caffeine.  Lots of water.  And NO alcohol before you sing.  Good grief!  Alcohol swells the tissues, and that means the tissues of the layrnx (vocal folds) as well.  Wait until afterwards for a glass of wine.

Treat your vocal folds with respect and they will perform for you the way you want.  It really is that simple.  More to come…stay tuned.