1. Vocal Health

2. The Human Voice Vocal Technique Healthy Singing Vocal Injury and Fatigue Warning Signs

3. The Human Voice Vocal Folds Larynx Resonators Articulators

4. The Human Voice The Voice is a Wind Instrument. In most woodwind instruments, the air passes over a reed causing the reed to vibrate thus causing the sound. With the voice, the air passes through the vocal folds causing them to vibrate making a sound.

5. The vocal folds are located inside the larynx. They are attached to the inside of what is commonly called the Adam’s Apple. They are about the diameter of a small paper clip. The Human Voice

6. High pitches: The vocal folds become longer, thinner, and more tense. Low Pitches: The vocal folds become shorter, thicker, and less tense. This is an involuntary change. When at rest, the vocal cords are apart allowing air to freely pass without making sound. The Human Voice

7. Mouth Sinuses Larynx Oral and Nasal Passages No two people have the same size resonators so no two voices sound alike. -Resonators:

8. The Human Voice Lips Teeth Tongue Palate -Articulators:

9. Technique Posture Breath support Tension Healthy Tone

10. Healthy Singing Use good tone Use proper posture. Use proper breath support. Sing within your range. Avoid jaw or neck tension. Avoid singing with manufactured vibrato.

11. Healthy Singing: Tips for Healthy Voices Drink seven to ten 8-ounce glasses of WATER per day. (No Caffeine or Alcohol) Always warm up before you sing. Balance voice use time with vocal rest time. Do not sing with a sore throat.

12. Healthy Voices Do NOT Smoke! Do NOT Drink Alcohol. Do NOT use drugs.

13. Vocal Injury and Fatigue Do not scream. Do not oversing. Do not sing with a sore throat. Avoid singing or yelling in cold weather. Avoid excessive talking. Avoid talking over road noise in a car or bus. Avoid coating the throat with sugar or dairy before singing.

14. Vocal Injury and Fatigue When you are sick: Get lots of rest. Take vitamins. Do not sing with a sore throat. Drink lots of fluids (no caffeine) Vocal rest (including talking) The voice heals slowly.

15. Vocal Problems Nodules

16. Vocal Problems Polyps

17. Vocal Problems Mis-shapen Cords

18. Signs of Vocal Abuse Pain “Frog in the throat.” Loss of voice Inability to relax the throat. Pitch problems - voice becomes uncontrollable. Bleeding

19. Disclaimer: Do not over react. Do not become a hypochondriac. Be sensible and smart. Do not become a diva and/or wear a scarf indoors to “keep your voice warm.” This presentation is intended to make you more knowledgeable about the voice and how to take care of your instrument.