Chapter 13 Summary- Being a successful singer requires a lifestyle that supports physical, mental, and spiritual health. One very important factor in maintaing physical health as a singer is hydration. We can more easily maintain the health of our vocal folds when we are well-hydrated. Just as there is less friction on our skin when we rub our hands together when our skin is well-moisturized so will it be when we have well lubricated vocal folds as a result of good hydration habits. It is probable that we will have to drink more than the average person in order to maintain our vocal health. By examining the color of our urine we can discern whether or not our level of hydration is sufficient. There are also some things that we need to do in order to prevent vocal pathologies. First of all, we need to avoid using our voice too much. This can put unnecessary strain on the vocal folds that can lead to such problems. We should also avoid habits that dehydrate our bodies such as smoking. It is also well-advised to have a good diet and consistent exercise habits. Good physical health is conducive to good singing, but our dedication to physical health shouldn't be so intense that it makes it more difficult for us to sing. For example, we should avoid lifting excessive weight. When we do this we often close the glottis and cause our adductor muscles to overdevelop, which can be the cause of tension when we sing. For those who are overweight getting surgery to help them loose that weight isn't necessarily bad, but singers who choose this route should know that they will need to refresh their techniques and make other adjustments in order to continue singing healthily in their new body. It is essential that we have good singing technique so we can avoid nodules and polyps. We also need to be aware of the abilities of our own voices so we can be conscientious of our needs when we are sick. If we have good technique we can often sing in a way that is still pleasing even when we are sick. If we don't have good technique, however, we can over sing and hurt ourselves if we try to sing when we are sick. Another important thing to realize is that singers generally lead a very non-traditional lifestyle. Some people don't mind this and are even attracted to it, but there are many who struggle with it.
Key Concept- We need to be really conscious of our health as singers. We need to stay hydrated and also be sure not to over sing, which will cause vocal pathologies. We should also maintain good diet and exercise and be self-aware when we are sick.
Key Terms-Hydration, Nodules, Polyps
Making Connections- I think I need to do a little more to know what I am capable of as a singer when I'm sick. I'm the type of person who doesn't like to cancel things because I'm sick, but my technique isn't perfect, so I don't want to sing when I'm sick if it's going to put unnecessary strain on my vocal folds. I also liked reading this chapter because it gave me me some good insights on how I can make the necessary adjustments in my singing following my recent gastric bypass surgery.
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