My twitter brotha, @DCBrocker, asked me about vocal health a few weeks ago and suggested that I post a blog on the topic… so here it is!

Taking Care of Your Voice

Learn to not abuse you voice…. Simple things like not over talking with a dry throat, lots of water and shout don’t scream. These simple tips can add lots of years to your voice. If your Pastor or Boss ever asks you to “sing your voice out because you’ll have it back next week,” (with all due respect) he/she is an idiot. Please send them a link to this post! (yes, I’ve been told this!)

Your voice is an instrument. Like a guitar needs new strings, sometimes your voice needs a rest. Plenty of rest will help you keep a strong and fit voice.

Warm Ups

Your voice is a muscle. Like any other muscle, it needs to be stretched prior to exhaustive use. You do this by simply working your way SLOWLY to the top and bottom of your range.

I have used Voice Lessons To Go – V.1 Vocalize & Breathfor some time. It’s a great CD with great warm ups.

Take a Drink

As a worship leader, I always feel weird taking a drink of my ROOM TEMPERATURE bottled water on stage. However, the moment I step out of the mic and take a step adds life to the end of the worship service. If you think a drink of water is distracting, just wait until you’re coughing and wheezing in the microphone.

I hope we will all have healthy and happy voices for the rest of our lives!

Blessings!