For many of us, school has been in session for a few weeks. Our voices are taking a big strain talking, and in my job, singing all day. What are some ways that we can protect our voices?

Several years ago, I had a lot of problems with my voice, so I went to my friend, Professor Julia Rademacher at Indiana Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences. A video stroboscopy was taken of my vocal cords. It was fascinating to see how my voice works, and take a first-hand look at my vocal cords. You can see them pictured below!

I underwent several weeks of vocal therapy to assist me in strengthening and protecting my voice. It was very helpful to learn about vocal care, and what exercises would help to preserve my voice.

While preparing to write this article, I asked Julia for some information on helping teachers to have a healthy voice. The following tips are common sense, but very important if you want to avoid laryngitis or vocal nodules.

Here are some strategies to keep your voice healthy.

1.  Hydration – Drink 6 to 8 ounces of water every day. Decrease or eliminate caffeine since it drys out your vocal folds. I keep a glass of water on my desk at all times!
2. Amplification – Reduce the loudness of your voice by using a microphone or moving closer to your students while talking. I have a wireless mic to use in my classroom. It really helps out in bigger classes!
3. Reduce Verbal Output – Use a student helper, record directions ahead of time, use visual aids or handouts while teaching, pace yourself when speaking, and take a drink of water. I often use a short YouTube video connected to my topic to give my voice a rest and redirect my student’s attention.
4. Use Non-Verbal Cues -To get your student’s attention or to change the direction of your lesson, use a bell or whistle, musical pattern, lights out, hand clap, or signal. Nonverbal signals that work for me are a singing bowl, traditional hand clap that I also use with a sshhh, and a chime that “sings”-“Quiet Please!”(high do, low do, so).
5. Stop Clearing Your Throat – Instead of clearing your throat, take a sip of water or a less abusive form of throat clearing. Keep that water close by!
6. Use Non-Verbal Feedback – When asking your students questions or getting them back on track, use facial expressions, pause while speaking, use a rating scale or use gestures to get your point across. With the use of Chrome books and computers in our classrooms, there are many wonderful apps and programs available to have students participate, or find out if they are comprehending what you are teaching.
7. Classroom Rules – From the first day of class, be sure to let your students know the classroom rules; level of loudness, listening, and class expectation. It will save your voice, and make your class run smoothly.
8. Vocal Range – Avoid speaking and singing in ranges that are too high or too low. Don’t use a monotone voice. Vary your pitch range. If it feels uncomfortable, it probably is not a good range. I find by the end of the day, my speaking voice is in the basement. There is a vocal range I try to keep in my head, and adjust to when headed toward vocal fry.
9. Use Good Vocal Technique -Monitor the loudness of your voice, use diaphragmatic breathing, use mask projection, and good posture. I start my classes with vocal warm ups and stretches. It’s good for my students, and for me! When I find myself getting stressed, I take a few deep breaths to relax. If my students are struggling during class, we stop, take some deep breaths, and do some stretches.
10. Take Care of Yourself – Eat a healthy diet. Pack snacks and/or your lunch ahead of time and get plenty of rest. If you are tired, your voice will be tired too. If you smoke, please quit. There have been enough advertisement campaigns telling you how bad it is, and the same is doubly true for those that talk a lot! When you encounter vocal problems, go see a vocal specialist to help correct your vocal problems. Try to be proactive in taking good care of yourself. You will be a better you for the long run, and a better teacher!

In 2014, I attended a summer seminar at St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. Dr. Axel Theimer and staff taught wonderful classes on voice care. I highly recommend attending these classes whether you are a music teacher, teacher, or someone who uses their voice in a professional way. You will benefit greatly from these classes!

Take care of your voice!  It’s the only one you have!

(The tips above are taken from a handout from Joy Stepinski and an article entitled “Seven habits for a Healthy Voice” – Julia Rademacher)