Let’s be honest: your voice is your superpower. Whether you’re in a choir, recording covers for TikTok, or prepping for your next NTPA performance, your vocal cords do a lot of heavy lifting. But like any instrument, your voice needs care to perform at its best. If you want to keep hitting those high notes and avoid sounding raspy, here are some tips to keep your voice healthy and strong throughout the rehearsal process.
1. Hydrate
Staying hydrated is non-negotiable when it comes to vocal health. Your vocal cords need moisture to function properly, like a sponge. If they’re dry, they won’t vibrate as efficiently, which can affect your sound. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help keep your voice in top shape. Opt for room-temperature water instead of cold, it’s gentler on your vocal cords.
2. Warm-Up Before You Sing
Your vocal cords are muscles! Just like an athlete wouldn’t sprint without stretching, you shouldn’t dive into singing without warming up, and why warm ups are an essential part of the NTPA rehearsal process. A five to ten minutes of vocal exercises can prevent strain and improve your sound. Lip trills, sirens, and scales are all great choices to get your voice ready. It may feel repetitive, but your future self will thank you. If you’re running late to rehearsal and missed vocal warmups, make sure you warm up on your own.
3. Skip the Screaming
While it might feel great to cheer at a concert or shout during a game, screaming is tough on your voice. It puts unnecessary strain on your vocal cords, and over time, this can lead to damage. Before rehearsals, and especially during tech week, find other ways to express your excitement: clap, use the siren placement vocal warmup, etc. Trust me, your vocal cords will appreciate the break.
4. Take Rest Days Seriously
Your voice is like any other part of your body—it needs time to rest and recover. Singing for long stretches without giving your vocal cords a break can lead to vocal fatigue. If your voice starts feeling strained or hoarse, tell your NTPA director. It’s a clear sign to take a day off. And whatever you do, avoid whispering. It might seem like a way to rest your voice, but it actually strains it even more.
5. Pay Attention to Your Environment
Dry air, dust, and allergens can irritate your vocal cords, making it harder to sing at your best. If you’re in a stuffy or polluted environment, your voice might suffer. Using a humidifier in your room or avoiding areas with poor air quality can make a big difference. Clean air helps your voice perform at its peak.
6. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep isn’t just important for your overall health—it’s key to vocal recovery. When you’re well-rested, your voice has time to repair and strengthen. Tired vocal cords are weaker and more prone to strain, so prioritize sleep, especially before big performances or long rehearsals.
7. Breathe Properly, Even When You’re Not Singing
Your breath is the foundation of good vocal technique, and learning to breathe deeply and efficiently is essential. Practicing diaphragmatic breathing when you’re singing, speaking dialogue, and even in off-stage conversations, can help you gain better control over your voice. It also reduces tension, giving you a clearer, stronger sound when it’s time to perform.
8. Steam for Relief
If your voice is feeling dry or strained, steaming can work wonders. Using a humidifier, taking a warm shower, or inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water helps hydrate your vocal cords. It’s an easy and effective way to soothe irritation and keep your voice feeling strong.
9. Maintain Good Posture
Good posture isn’t just for looking confident—it’s critical for effective singing. Standing tall with your shoulders back allows your lungs to expand fully, giving you better breath support and control. Slouching, on the other hand, can restrict your airflow and weaken your sound. The next time you get ready to “break a leg,” check your posture first.
10. Listen to Your Body
Your voice will tell you when it’s tired or overworked. If you’re feeling hoarse, strained, or fatigued, it’s time to take a step back. Ignoring those signs and pushing through can lead to more serious vocal issues down the road. Take care of your voice by resting when needed and paying attention to how it feels during and after singing.
Get help putting these best practices to work and improving your vocal skills! Private lessons are available now with qualified NTPA voice coaches.
Meet the Writer:
Senior Resident Director/Academy Curriculum Specialist – Kaitlyn Barnard
Kaitlyn Barnard-Wright graduated in 2013 Cum Laude from Texas Woman’s University where she performed in both their opera and theater productions. She is currently completing her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling while serving as the Director of Education for the NTPA Academy. She has been with NTPA since 2017 and has directed and music directed with the organization on many occasions. Some of her favorite titles have been: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Honk the Musical. She taught music and choir in Plano ISD for five years. Kaitlyn is certified in the Kodaly Method of music education and completed her third level of training in the summer of 2015. For the 2015-2016 school year, Kaitlyn received the Bass Hall Fellowship for excellence in music education and in the spring of that year presented about elementary music at the Texas State Music Education Association conference in San Antonio. Kaitlyn is a member of the Pi Kappa Lambda Honor Society, Who’s Who Nominee, Presser Scholar Nominee, and the recipient of the first Lily Mildred Hodges Endowed Scholarship. For the 2016-2017 school year, she was nominated as Teacher of the Year and received the PTA Life Member Award. Music and theater are her passion and she loves to see children grow through the arts.