Vocal advice from Peter Farrant
For our CD recording in June 2003, Peter produced the following advice, which was originally published in the Spring 2003 Newsletter, but is so good it deserves reproducing here, albeit in slightly edited format to be relevant for all singers and occasions.
Drink plenty of water to ensure the vocal mechanism remains flexible and well lubricated.
Avoid the consumption of dairy products before singing (i.e. milk, cheese, chocolate), as they encourage the over-production of mucous, which leads to numerous problems. Fruit juice can also lead to over-production of mucous.
Never clear your throat immediately before you sing. It puts the larynx into trauma and closes the throat just as it needs opening.
To clear excess mucous, try swallowing a number of times (water can also assist). Alternatively, slowly take a breath in, or place one hand in from of the mouth and force air out with a few short sharp diaphragm pushes.
Avoid the consumption of alcohol before singing as it dries out the vocal mechanism and causes inflexibility of the vocal folds. It can also cause obvious other (un)musical disasters!
Coffee, tea and swimming (more precisely, the chemicals used in pools) can also dry out the vocal mechanism, leading to problems.
Ensure that the mouth, larynx and spinal column are all in alignment.
Keep the spine straight and legs slightly bent, as this will allow the diaphragm to work properly and enable the back muscles to support the sound.
Avoid your shoulders sagging or head moving too far forward as this will prevent the neck muscles from working effectively.
Keep the head and neck relaxed in an upright position and get used to moving the eyes without moving your head and neck.
Ensure the weight of any music is evenly distributed to both arms and that your body weight is evenly distributed to both feet.
If the area around the lower spine aches after standing (as is necessary for singing well!), it has probably curved too far inwards. Try stretching the base of the spine by turning the pelvis gently.
Avoid footwear and clothing that is tight and restricting.
Ensure all mobile phones, pagers and watch alarms are switched off!
Always ensure that you can see the conductor.
Wherever possible, try to conserve your voice when not singing.
If this has whetted your appetite, visit the Jayne Comins' voice clinic page to explode a myth or two.
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