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A Singer's Guide to Thriving on the Road

Traveling is an integral part of life for professional singers, often taking them across international borders. However, the journey isn't always as glamorous as it sounds. The singing voice is incredibly sensitive to environmental factors and the overall health of the individual, making travel a potential minefield of challenges for vocalists.

Reflecting on my own experiences from my days of performing, I recall the dread of knowing my voice might betray me upon landing, especially when faced with the double whammy of air travel and air-conditioned venues. Back then, our understanding of vocal health was rudimentary at best, and any inefficiency in my voice was not only a source of embarrassment but also immense stress.

Fortunately, the landscape of vocal health has evolved significantly, and my recent studies have equipped me with a wealth of knowledge to support and advise the artists I work with today.

On a recent trip to Vocal Coach in  Los Angeles, I was also required to sing in a theatre performance the day after arrival. This presented the perfect opportunity to put my newfound insights to the test.

One might say it's common sense, but I made it a point to steer clear of anyone with a cold before my travel date. In the days leading up to my flight, I focused on staying well-hydrated, fully aware of the dehydrating effects of air travel and aiming to start my journey from a place of optimal hydration.

Anticipating the low humidity levels on flights, I armed myself with a hygrometer to monitor the conditions first-hand. It's well-documented that humidity levels below 35% can dry out the vocal folds, making voice production a taxing, fatiguing endeavour. Initially, the cabin's humidity stood at a comfortable 54%, but as the flight progressed, it plummeted to 22% and then to a mere 19%. This stark drop underscored the reason my voice suffered in the past after long flights.

To combat this, I wore a facemask throughout the flight. While I've found masks uncomfortable on previous journeys, the conical-shaped masks I chose this time provided a snug fit without any discomfort. Acting as a personal humidifier, the mask trapped the moisture from my breath, maintaining favourable levels of humidity for my vocal folds.

As luck would have it, my flight was accompanied by the all-too-familiar soundtrack of coughing and sneezing from a few rows back. Thankfully, my decision to wear a mask shielded me from potential airborne threats, allowing me to relax, knowing I was taking proactive steps to protect my voice and overall health.

Mindful of the dehydrating effects of alcohol, I opted for water instead, ensuring I stayed hydrated throughout the 11.5-hour flight. Upon arrival, my nebulizer became my best ally. While drinking water is essential, it doesn't directly hydrate the vocal folds and takes time to benefit them. In contrast, the nebulizer uses a cold steam to produce fine particles that hydrate the vocal folds instantly, and more efficiently than traditional steam methods. I use saline solution in my nebuliser.  For those without access to a nebulizer, a hot shower or inhaling steam from a bowl can serve as effective alternatives. The portability and convenience of a battery-operated nebulizer, however, have made it an indispensable tool in my travel kit.

Another challenge often faced when working abroad is the dry air from air conditioning. To counter this, I bring along a rechargeable fan to avoid sleeping in air-conditioned environments, ensuring a more vocal-friendly atmosphere.

In addition  I sought advice from my colleague and friend, Allie Moss, a seasoned touring singer with over two decades of experience. Allie attributes her health and vitality on the road to prioritizing good sleep, even amidst the hectic pace of touring. With this in mind I suggest adding  earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones and a comfortable pillow from home to your travel kit, to overcome the challenges of unfamiliar and noisy settings. These simple adjustments can significantly improve sleep quality, turning a potentially restless night into a restorative one.

Beyond sleep, Allie, stands by incorporating immune-boosting supplements into her regimen. Vitamin C, in particular, can be a lifesaver, potentially reducing the duration of a cold by two days—a significant advantage when performance schedules are tight.

Curious to compare, I chose not to wear a mask, reverted to normal hydration practices, and indulged in a couple of alcohol drinks on my return flight to London. The contrast was stark. The immediate dehydration was palpable, leading to discomfort in my throat and mouth around half way through my flight and a very noticeable decline in my vocal condition the following day.

This experience underscored a vital lesson: preparation is key. Having a travel kit tailored to maintaining vocal health is not just beneficial; it's essential for any singer looking to perform their best, regardless of where their travels take them.

While I've shared some of the tools and practices that have made a significant difference in my travel experiences, it's important to find what works best for you. Remember, every voice is unique, and what serves one singer well may differ for another. Safe travels and happy singing!

Europa Face Masks

https://amzn.eu/d/0dCPQpj4

Hygrometer

https://amzn.eu/d/04MIyEBK

Nebuliser

https://amzn.eu/d/0cgTRKac

Saline Solution

https://amzn.eu/d/05e3CKbW

John Lewis Hand Held Fan

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-anyday-handheld-foldable-desk-fan-4-inch/lake-blue/p5873998

Note: For specific product recommendations, I encourage readers to explore options that best suit their individual needs and preferences.)

This blog aims to shed light on the importance of vocal health for singers, especially those who travel frequently. By sharing personal anecdotes and practical advice, I hope to empower vocalists to maintain their vocal health on the road, ensuring they can perform at their best, no matter where their careers take them.

The Power of Struggle in Practice.

How many times have you tried to learn a new skill, only to find it such a struggle that you’ve given up? I think we can all put our hands up to that one.

What if I told you that the very moment you appear to be struggling in your practice is when you are actually making progress. It certainly doesn’t feel like that at the time.  Struggle can feel an uncomfortable place to be.  

At that moment of struggle though, your brain is problem solving.  Trying to work out how to achieve your goal, and this is when LEARNING and PROGRESS takes place. This is deep practice.

Ace Your Mindset

This realisation that struggle can be a positive place to be, helps to bring a whole new mindset and structure to our practice.  Rather than getting disheartened when it feels hard, and giving up, why not dig in deep and keep going.  Realising that this is the moment that you are accelerating your learning.

Working on the edge of your ability aids progress. Some how getting it wrong, and trying again is what makes you better.  Think of a baby, trying to learn to stand. They fall down and try again, fall down and try again, and hence the pattern begins of mistakes and problem solving which eventually lead to success.

So, how should you practice? How much struggle should you be embracing?

Your brain (amazing as it is) likes dealing with information in chunks. Singing is a complex skill, and by breaking things down into smaller segments we are able to give it the focus required.

What do you want to achieve? Set your goal, and be realistic.  Work just beyond your current ability, so you are reaching, rather than thrashing around in the dark.  Guidance from a teacher can help you to understand the things you need to be doing to achieve your goal, but equally noticing what you hear and feel, and increasing your awareness is a part of the process. For practice to be beneficial it needs to be mindful, and have your full attention.

Rome Wasn’t Built In a Day.

Slowing things down allows you the time to accomplish new ways of doing things.  When we started to learn to  read and write, we were slower. As we became more skilled, we gradually sped up.  Why should it be any different with singing?  Speed will follow when you are ready for it.  

Celebrate the small successes

Have you ever heard the old saying ‘Practice Makes Perfect?’  I would encourage you instead to embrace the phrase ‘Practice Makes Progress’. 

Getting more skilled at something is a journey of small successes.  Each one takes you a step closer to your original goal. So, acknowledge and celebrate each one in the knowledge that THERE IS  POWER IN STRUGGLE.