Should I Go to my Voice Lesson?
Should I still go to my voice lesson or my gig if I have a sore throat?
The only time you should certainly NOT attend your voice lesson is if you know you are contagious (cold, flu).
The basic rule is: Do not sing if your throat hurts. If you have a sore throat from straining, screaming, or over-singing then the basic rule applies. In this case, the only true remedy is vocal rest. You can still go to your voice lesson because you can always learn something, but it’s best to consult with your vocal coach here. If you have a gig and cannot cancel then you have to figure out how to get through it. Drink lots of room temperature water. Do NOT warm up or sing at all until gig time. Try to hire another vocalist to share the gig with you. Do not talk or yell in between sets or songs. Lower the keys to your songs. Play longer solos. In this situation a vocal coach with performance experience would help a great deal. If you have recurrent sore throats from singing, you absolutely NEED a voice lesson! Actually, a vocal coach and a lot of lessons is a better idea.
If you have a sore throat from allergies/ post-nasal drip, or acid reflux, then you should still go to your voice lesson or gig. These are recurrent and continuous problems that need to be addressed. Visiting an ear, nose, throat (ENT) doctor is a great first step. You will have to continue to deal with these issues because of your singing anyway and they can become very serious if they are not addressed. Homeopathic, herbal or alternative remedies, western medicine, or all of the above should be examined. Honestly, the most valuable thing you could do is pay attention to your diet and figure out what works or doesn’t work for you. Your vocal coach along with your doctor and yourself will help you to figure out your best and most healthy path. So be sure to go to your voice lesson.
Two things that are always healthy, never bad for you and usually help are gargling with warm salt water twice a day and dabbing some honey on your tongue if you have to or choose to sing. The most important thing to do to KEEP your voice healthy is to pay attention to your own body and always go to your voice lesson.
