Your Voice is Your Instrument

Taking Care of It During Tech Week (and Beyond!)

Tech week. The marathon before the race. The final push before opening night. It’s exhilarating, exhausting, and, let’s be honest, often brutal on your voice. As performers, our voices are our instruments, and just like any finely tuned instrument, they need care and maintenance. But how do you prioritize vocal health when the demands are so high? Fear not, fellow vocalists! Here’s a survival guide to keep your voice in top shape, not just during tech week, but always.

The Essentials: Rest, Hydration, and Warm-Ups

• Rest/Vocal Rest:
  • “Rest” might seem like a luxury during tech week, but it’s a necessity. Even small increments of rest can make a difference.
  • Take 10-minute naps whenever possible.
  • Use rehearsal breaks for quiet time, not socializing.
  • Make smart choices about how you spend your energy. Every bit counts.
• Hydrate:
  • Water is your best friend. Sip frequently in small amounts rather than chugging large volumes at once.
  • Keeping your vocal folds moist is key to proper vocal function.
• Warm Up AND Cool Down:
  • Never skip your warm-ups! Dedicate at least 15 minutes before rehearsals or shows to prepare your voice.
  • Equally important is the cool down. Just like any muscle, your vocal folds need to gradually return to a resting state.

Getting Physical: Stretching, Massage, and Breathing

• Stretch and Massage:
  • Tension in your body translates to tension in your voice.
  • Stretch your entire body, paying special attention to your neck, shoulders, and jaw.
  • Massage your neck, face, jaw, and even your tongue. Yes, stick your tongue out and gently stretch it!
• Panting:
  • This simple exercise activates your lungs and warms up your belly breathing, which is essential for vocal support.