Got a Sore Throat?
Should I still go to my voice lesson or my gig if my throat hurts?
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. The only true remedy is vocal rest, so no voice lesson. However, if you have a gig then you have to figure out how to get through it. Hint: 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 vocal coach!
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. You will have to continue to deal with them because of your singing anyway and they can become very serious throat issues if they are not addressed.
Homeopathic, herbal or alternative remedies, western medicine, or all of these should be examined. Truly, the most valuable thing you could do is pay attention to your diet and figure out what works or doesn’t work for you.
If you have a sore throat from cold or flu, then go to your voice lesson or gig if you’re not contagious. Again, if you have a gig then you have to figure out how to get through it. See Hint. For your voice lesson, no matter what level singer you are or what music you are working on you can go through breathing techniques, posture, and developmental exercises.
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.
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Comments
Hi,
Forgive me for being such a ditz!!! I will send you those e-mails tonight. I am going to e-mail all the bands and ask them if any of them don’t want any e-mails from you …which would be really dumb because you have a free news letter etc. None of them will say no…They all loved you! Then, I will get them out..at least this way I asked!
Thanks again for your impartial help!
Stay in touch,
Susan
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