The Performer’s Body: Some Useful Links

Hey y’all!! In digging for new ideas for the Performer’s Body podcast series, I stumbled upon some fun and useful links about performer’s health and wellness.

The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine
Musician’s Health Network
Arts Empowerment: Healing the Artist
Interesting Article on the health benefits of theatre for seniors
The Health And Performance Institute at Ithica College

Yay websites!

Here’s a teaser from one website, about vocal health. It gives some basic but very sound advice for any vocal practioner (that includes teachers, politicians, and broadcasters as well as musicians). Stay tuned for an aurally-stimulating podcast on vocal health in the next few days.

Vocal health is about mind and body as well as voice!

Whatever your style of singing and whatever your repertoire, you should take a
holistic approach to your practising and performing. Here are a few tried-and-
tested tips for you to keep in mind at all times.

1. Always warm up physically before you sing. In particular, stretch and loosen
up your neck, shoulders, and upper back. This doesn’t have to take a long
time, but should be before your vocal warm-up. Repeat this after singing, to
allow cooling down.

2. Ensure your technique is sound – poor technical habits may lead to tension and
muscular strain. We strongly recommend that you seek professional advice,
whatever your level of experience.

3. Check your posture when singing, using a mirror, or, better still, a video
camera. Look at the overall balance of your body, and for signs of tension
around your neck and shoulders. If you regularly sit to sing, use a chair that is
as comfortable as possible, that supports your lower back, and is at the right
height for your body build.

4. Where is your music? If on a stand, check the stand height and sight-lines, e.g.
to your accompanist. If you are holding the music, feel its weight and consider
a stand if it is heavy or bulky.

5. Vision and hearing can affect your neck and upper body posture, have them
checked periodically. If you need glasses or lenses to see the music or the
conductor, use them!

6. Plan your practice sessions to allow frequent short breaks in singing. The
biggest risk factor for a breakdown in your vocal health is a sudden increase
in the quantity or quality of practice, e.g. in the run-up to a concert or
audition. If something starts to ache, stop and loosen up. Use a kitchen timer to
remind you if a break is due – ever y 20 minutes or so.

7. Your overall health, physical build, and voice type may make some repertoire
more uncomfortable for you. Respect your limitations.

8. If you have a cold or sore throat, remember VOCAL REST AND HYDRATION.
Vocal rest does not necessarily mean no singing: it means no shouting, no
whispering, no forcing, and limit your phone calls. Hydration means water, not
tea/coffee or alcohol! Also avoid atmospheric pollutants such as cigarette
smoke, and over-heated or air-conditioned rooms.

9. Your general lifestyle can affect your singing: make sure you are eating and
sleeping properly.

10. A mixture of regular exercise (e.g. swimming or sport) and relaxation will help
maximise your potential and maintain your vocal health. Performing is stressful
and tension can cause pain and stiffness. Find something that you enjoy, it’s
more likely to help!

11. Remember that you are a musical athlete and your performance depends on
you taking good care of yourself. Think twice about attending a party or
going to a noisy pub in the days before a concert. Watch out for accidents:
take care with dangerous sports and DIY.

12. There is a world outside music! Keep your hobbies and outside interests going
to avoid getting over-focused on your singing.