Katie Mecham Voice Blog

You have an important performance coming up - a concert, jury, audition, or recital. You are prepared: the music is memorized, you've practiced good singing habits, you've worked with your teacher to get rid of all the kinks.  Everything should go perfectly, except for those nerves that have hit you the morning of.  Nerves. Are. The. Worst. Luckily, there are ways to combat them so that you can perform your best. Here are 5 ways to deal with nerves before singing.  1. Sing in front of small groups before the main event.  Each time you sing in front of a group of people, you get a little bit better.  You get used to those pesky nerves and you're able to be more calm with each successive performance.  Before an audition or performance, find small groups of people to sing in front of.  Gather your family and friends into your home for a mini-recital.  Call the local nursing homes or senior living centers and go and sing for them.  I...

A singer's worst day is when they come down with a cold. Sneezing, coughing, and sore throats can all throw a wrench into your singing plans. There is a plethora of get-well-quick medicines and tips floating around but only a handful of them are backed up by research, doctors, and vocal professionals. Whether you're preparing for a recital, choir concert, or the opening night of your show these tips can help you keep your voice safe and healthy. 1. Drink some water, then drink more. While tea, cough drops, and other remedies soothe your sore throat, they do not do anything for your actual vocal folds. If something fluid actually touched your vocal folds that would mean you're drowning which would NOT be good! When you hydrate by drinking water, your vocal folds will be hydrated via our awesome body system. Your vocal folds are a muscle and they are getting a crazy work out when you sing. Especially when you're sick, you need to increase your water intake t...