A Vocal Athlete’s Journey to Keeping the Pipes in Tip-Top Shape
Hey there, fellow musical theater enthusiasts! I’m so excited to share my journey with you on the art of vocal wellness. As a performer, I know firsthand the demands and challenges that come with maintaining a healthy voice amidst the grueling schedules and rigorous performances that define our industry. But fear not, my friends – I’m here to guide you through the ups and downs, the highs and lows, and ultimately, help you become the vocal powerhouse you were born to be.
Let’s start with a simple observation: Broadway schedules are arguably the most demanding of all performing schedules. Whether you’re in rehearsals, auditioning, or already on that coveted stage, the vocal demands are simply enormous. Dr. Paul Kwak, an ENT at the NYU Voice Center, puts it into perspective: “8 shows a week is essentially un-physiologic and unnatural for the voice within the context of the human experience.” Can you imagine your vocal folds colliding a staggering one million times during a single show? Yikes!
Now, add to that the extra rehearsals, auditions, phone calls, and social outings, and you’ve got yourself the vocal equivalent of playing a football game 8 times a week. Vocal performers are true vocal athletes, and the proper care of a vocal performer is a multidisciplinary endeavor. It takes a village, my friends – or in this case, a squad.
Assembling Your Vocal Wellness Squad
Just like Dorothy had her trusty companions on the yellow brick road to Oz, you too need a team of experts to guide you on your journey to vocal wellness. Dr. Kwak emphasizes the importance of having a squad that includes a voice teacher, laryngologist, voice therapist, and various coaches. These professionals each bring their own unique perspective and insights to the cultivation of a healthy voice.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “That sounds like a lot of work!” And you’re right, it does take time, diligence, and effort to assemble this dream team. But trust me, it’s worth it, especially if you’re in it for the long haul. After all, how long do you want your career to be? If the answer is anything more than just getting through the current show or audition cycle, then you, my friend, are a musical theater unicorn, and you deserve the support of experts who can keep your voice healthy and happy.
One of the key things that helps a laryngologist be an essential member of your squad is having a baseline exam of your larynx. Dr. Kwak explains that this exam, known as a laryngoscopy, allows your doctor to visualize your vocal folds and establish your vocal “home base”. This is crucial because, as performers, we’re the vocal equivalent of snowflakes – no two of us are exactly the same. And just like how we can confidently identify a new blemish on our skin, having that baseline exam allows us to quickly recognize any changes or issues that may arise with our vocal instrument.
But don’t worry, the laryngoscopy process is not as intimidating as it may sound. Dr. Kwak assures us that it’s a simple and painless procedure, with the option to either pass the camera through your nose or your mouth. And the best part? You get to keep a video of your exam, which can be invaluable when you’re traveling away from your home base and need to share information with other members of your squad.
Embracing the Beauty of Your Unique Vocal Anatomy
As I mentioned, we performers are a unique bunch, each with our own vocal fingerprint. And that’s the beauty of it! Dr. Kwak reminds us that a “healthy voice” is simply one that allows us to meet all of our vocal demands without restriction, and that can come in all shapes, sizes, and configurations. Just like how professional athletes show the wear and tear of their intense physical activities, we performers may have our own “battle scars” on our vocal folds, like prominent veins, signs of reflux, or even nodules or other lumps and bumps.
And you know what? That’s totally normal! These irregularities and variations are simply a part of what makes our voices so unique and amazing. The key is to embrace them, understand them, and work with them to create the best possible sound. After all, we are vocal athletes, and our instruments are constantly evolving and adapting to the demands we place on them.
Soothing the Throat with Grethers Pastilles
Now that we’ve explored the importance of assembling a stellar squad and embracing our vocal quirks, let’s talk about one of the essential tools in a performer’s arsenal: Grethers Pastilles. These throat lozenges for singers are a godsend for those of us who push our voices to the limit day in and day out.
Grethers Pastilles are not your average cough drops or throat sprays. These little gems offer a soothing blend of natural ingredients that provide instant relief and long-lasting protection for our precious vocal cords. With their smooth texture and delightful flavors, they’re the perfect companion for any performer’s daily vocal wellness routine.
I like to keep a stash of Grethers Pastilles in my dressing room or bag, ready to reach for before rehearsals, during performances, or after a particularly strenuous vocal session. The team at Grethers USA says it best: “Incorporating Grethers Pastilles into your daily vocal wellness regimen is simple and effective”. These throat lozenges for singers have become an integral part of my routine, helping me maintain the strength and resilience of my voice, night after night.
Embracing the Art of Vocal Wellness
In the competitive world of performing arts, vocal wellness is not just a luxury, it’s a necessity. The team at Grethers USA reminds us that “neglecting throat health can lead to vocal fatigue, hoarseness, and even vocal damage, jeopardizing a performer’s ability to deliver their best”. And as someone who’s been there, trust me, you don’t want to find yourself in that situation.
That’s why it’s so important to prioritize vocal wellness, and to embrace it as an art form in itself. It’s not just about hitting those high notes or projecting to the back of the theater – it’s about taking care of the instrument that allows us to do what we love, day in and day out.
So, my fellow musical theater enthusiasts, let’s embark on this journey together. Let’s assemble our dream squads, embrace our unique vocal anatomy, and incorporate Grethers Pastilles into our daily routines. Together, we’ll conquer those demanding schedules, captivate our audiences, and keep our voices strong, clear, and resilient for years to come.
Remember, the best role you could ever play is the one where you’re the star of your own vocal wellness story. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll be the one inspiring the next generation of musical theater vocalists to take care of their precious instruments. The stage is ours, my friends, so let’s make the most of it!
Wishing you all the best on your vocal wellness journey. Break a leg, and don’t forget to keep those Grethers Pastilles close at hand!
