Vocal Tune Up
- Beyond Speech Therapy
- Sep 10
- 2 min read
Voice tips from a Speech-Language Pathologist
Why is vocal care important?
Your voice is a complicated instrument made up of muscles and tissues that can be strained or injured. Whether you use your voice for performing, teaching, or everyday communication, establishing healthy habits can help keep your voice working efficiently and reliably.
Good vocal care can help prevent problems like hoarseness, vocal fatigue, or even long-term damage, and it supports stamina so your voice can meet the demands of your day.
What does vocal care involve?
Adequate sleep
Rest (vocal “naps”)
Nutrition (many foods may trigger reflux symptoms and produce excess mucous)
Healthy vocal habits (avoiding excess yelling, smoking, alcohol and throat clearing)
Vocal Warm-up
Completing a comprehensive vocal warm-up before practice/performance (or any significant vocal demands - e.g., a full day of teaching/lecturing!) has been shown to reduce tension and feelings of vocal fatigue. Studies have also demonstrated that completion of a vocal warm-up can improve volume, range, and reduced vocal “irregularity”, it may also thin and loosen mucous, reducing potential discomfort.
Generally, a warm up should take between 15-30 minutes to complete.
There are many, many different ways to warm-up but a “good” vocal warm up will:
Encourage you to listen to your body and become present
Focus on alignment
Emphasize breath support
Be paced (avoiding hyper-activity and over-exertion)
Utilize sounds and exercises that relax the jaw, tongue and throat (e.g., lip trills)
Consider also including a 5-15min vocal cool down!
What is ‘preventative’ treatment?
Everything described above!
Becoming more “in-tune” with your voice can help you notice vocal red flags quickly and address them efficiently, preventing injury and vocal strain.
Recommended Reading: The Performer’s Voice
Vocal Warm-up Inspiration: KHansen Music (youtube videos / App)
How can an SLP help?
Speech-Language Pathologists have extensive training in vocal anatomy, function, pathology, and treatment. They can help you evaluate vocal strain, create healthy vocal habits, and find your best, most efficient voice through personalized feedback regarding alignment, breath support and resonance.
If you’re interested in attending a presentation, and or receiving 1:1 support from a Speech-Language Pathologist at Beyond Speech Therapy Services - reach out!
Please feel free to contact us with any questions at info@beyondspeech.ca
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