How to Take Care of Your Singing Voice — The Doctor Is In

Singers are basically vocal athletes, right? So, check in with Sweetwater's in-house doctor for tips on how to take care of your singing voice when you're sick — and over the long term. Got a question for Dr. Todd? Hit us with your own questions in the comments!

Todd Page, MD, is Sweetwater’s in-house family doctor and provides medical care for our employees and their families. Not only is he passionate about medicine, but he's also an avid musician with a bachelor’s degree in music (trumpet and piano) from the University of Colorado.

[sweetwater]

Got a question for Dr. Todd? Hit us with your own questions in the comments!

[Dozereyes]

Biggest trick- I found this most helpful before my rock gigs.
Start drinking tons of room temp water 24 hours before a show. You’ll peer every 30 minutes but don’t stop drinking. Very small warm up right before you go on- then a beer after 4-5 songs. You’ll be golden.

[jmhdbh]

Fantastic!!! What many don’t know is that Todd is an amazing singer and has been performing for decades - this comes from his practical experience.

[saraparisi]

Yes yes yes! BUT, PLEASE remember that if you take medication or something with a numbing agent DO NOT SING because you can end up damaging your voice since you won't feel the pain

[karma]

For those who dont want to use steam from the shower to save waterrr- you can just heat up boiling water or microwave water for about two minutes and inhale the steam from that, and then you can drink that water later :)

[rhondahummel]

This is excellent, Todd! I'm saving to share with my voice students. Boy, were those touring days exhausting!

[anandavalayden]

I really like this video which (unlike others) is short, concise and straight to the point. You just get the recommendations without too much talking.

[KristiMusicVideos]

Hi! I'm a teacher and a singer. Is there hope? lol I use my voice a lot, and it's been catching up with me lately...taking longer to recupe after a four-hour show. Most bigtime performers have opening acts, and their shows are about 2 hours. Mine are closer to four. Trying to heal my voice and restore it as much as possible while in between acts. Tried steam today with a towel over my head over a pot of hot water. Then my head is bent forward for 10 minutes. Not sure I wanna do that 3x a day!

[kogutwashington]

This is the first video on this channel I see and I already love this guy.

[misbahmayan]

Please suggest ways to increase your singing range, i.e. to sing high notes

[gideonasumeng]

I used to really enjoy tea before practicing, now I try to stay hydrated with water.

[luckygardner]

This was very informative and helpful. I would love to hear Dr Todd's perspective of how different alcoholic beverages effect the vocal chords

[JenniferDHall-oczd]

I have allergies and GERD very bad. Any tips?

[heatherelsley]

Thank you sooo much
I needed this today for adult band camp
Any ideas to stay mentally in the game ward of self doubt and quitting feelings ?

[phoenix]

love it thanks! (pls next time lower the music and pick a calmmmm one). Thank you though, been searching for this!!

[beershebacatherin]

When I sing for 5- 10 mins..My throat gets sore..voice is not clear when I record in studio mic....throat gets tired..what can I do? Suggest something?

[Megan]

Omg I wish you lived in Ireland !! Thanks for you help!

[Self-taughtJay]

I love this. Thank you so much for posting this.

[moniquewrites]

I cleaned my bathroom with bleach and it hurt my voice for a few days. Praying it gets back the mucus that was in there.

[thekaraokemistresspeacepri]

I absolutely love this 😂thank you sweet water 💦😍😍😍