VOCAL tips from a Vocal Expert Leading Voice Teacher and Vocal Coach Justin Stoney offers some advice for keeping your voice healthy and strong. Justin Stoney is the founder of New York Vocal Coaching  (www.NewYorkVocalCoaching.com) in New York City and is “a VOCAL enthusiast”!

Drink Water
Every singer knows this, but it’s true! Make sure to drink plenty of water on a daily basis. The vocal folds rely on moisture and your body’s hydration.

Get Plenty Of Sleep
The body repairs itself while you sleep. The vocal folds are a part of your body. Make sure to get plenty of rest to help heal and strengthen your voice!

Fight Acid Reflux
Many singers suffer from Acid Reflux problems. To avoid this, try to limit spicy foods, fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol. Or, don’t eat late at night.

Practice, Practice, Practice
Create a vocal routine for yourself and stay disciplined. A 15-45 minute daily vocal practice that includes vocal exercises goes a long way in making you a strong and flexible vocalist.

Eat Healthily
A healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, protein, and high-energy foods can help you become a better singer. A healthy body means a healthy voice!

Speak Clearly
Your speaking voice should be well-supported by breath, resonant, clear, and lilting. Speaking too loud, breathily, or lazily can lead to vocal fatigue.

Find Your Zen
Meditation, prayer, psychology, massage, yoga, philosophy, or spiritual/emotional work can help you find the essential relaxation that singers need. Find peace to sing at your best!

Don’t Abuse Your Voice
Talking over loud crowds, singing for too long (i.e. 2.5+ hours), excessive coughing or throat clearing, and lifting heavy weights improperly are all ways to tire out your voice fast.

Humidity
Always breathing dry air can be harmful. Create a humid environment by purchasing a humidifier. Steamy showers and steam inhalers when you are sick are also good.

Don’t Smoke
Quite simply, this is the worst possible thing you can do for your vocal cords. Make singing at your finest your motivation for quitting!

Physical Fitness
Keep your body and breath in good shape. Exercise involving cardiovascular work and stretching is particularly good. Yoga is one of best workouts for singers!

Don’t Sweat The Technique
Good vocal technique that emphasizes a blended sound (i.e. the mix) is essential for sustaining great singing for years to come. Find a trusted voice technician to help you!

Stay On The Journey
Singing is a marathon, not a sprint. Work hard, but give yourself a break. Demanding “product” from your voice slows you down. Enjoy the process and the product will come!

Drink VOCAL!!!
I drink VOCAL when I teach and I recommend it to my singers as well. There is no artificial sugar in VOCAL and it’s natural ingredients like honey and peppermint soothe the voice. It’s the perfect way to cool down after a long practice, intense voice lesson, or successful performance!

Justin Stoney
Founder of New York Vocal Coaching
www.NewYorkVocalCoaching.com