There is nothing worse than opening your mouth to sing and nothing comes out. This is a problem many singers face, but there are a few simple tricks you can use to avoid this happening to you. Here are my favourite tips for keeping your vocal cords lubricated and ready to sing pitch perfect.
- Keep hydrated! Drink plenty of water leading up to a performance. It may sound obvious, but many of us don’t drink enough water. If you feel thirsty, there’s a good chance you’re already dehydrated. Keep a drink bottle with you and get into the habit of taking a sip regularly. It will become second nature in no time.
- Ginger. Many of my singing friends recommend drinking ginger tea before a performance. When I was first learning how to sing I found ginger ale helpful. Try them out and find which you prefer. Often if you are singing at a club it’s easy to get ginger ale if nothing else is easily available.
- Drink lemon water. Just slice up a whole lemon and place in a jug of water. Some people prefer lemon cordials or soda’s. It can be really refreshing.
- Avoid really cold drinks and ice. Instead try tepid water or teas. Many singers say this helps to warm up the vocal cords. Obviously this is a personal preference. Try for yourself to see if this helps you relax your voice.
- Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol leading up to a performance. They have a tendency to make you feel dehydrated which is exactly the opposite of what you want.
- Avoid dairy products or anything that creates mucus. You may find too much of these will have you constantly clearing your throat.
- Keep clear of smoky or dry environments. This can cause a real strain on your vocal cords. A humidifier can be helpful if at all possible.
Sometimes a dry throat is hard to avoid, especially when nerves are involved. The next step is to work on your confidence. Know you are amazing and go out there and strut your stuff. Show the world what you are made of even if you do have a little frog in your throat. The more you perform the easier it becomes.
When you’re learning how to sing it’s best to try out a few different things to see what works best for you. I hope these tips help you avoid getting a dry throat!