The Show Must Go On: Creative Solutions for Singers with Vocal Injuries

The show must go on, but not at the cost of a singer’s voice.

Vocal injuries are a constant concern for singers, and it’s not uncommon for SLPs to encounter performers who must navigate a compromised voice. While traditional approaches like therapeutic exercises, patient education, and collaboration with laryngologists are crucial, creative solutions from an SLP become essential when the show must go on (of course, only if deemed safe for the singer’s voice). 

This article explores additional strategies you can offer to help singers perform with minimal strain, making creative intervention a necessary component for active vocalists.

Leveraging Your Expertise

As an SLP, your in-depth knowledge of vocal anatomy and physiology makes you an invaluable source of support for singers navigating vocal challenges. In situations where a singer must perform despite vocal issues, you can leverage your expertise to provide tailored strategies that minimize strain and promote vocal health. By understanding the intricate workings of the voice, you can help singers make informed decisions about their vocal use, ensuring they can perform safely and effectively.

Amplification Strategies 

SLPs expertise in vocal anatomy is key when collaborating with sound engineers to determine optimal microphone placement and amplification settings. This partnership ensures singers are heard clearly without straining their voices over a loud band. 

Additionally, recommending the use of in-ear monitors can help singers hear themselves more accurately, reducing the need for vocal strain. Understanding the differences between microphone types (e.g., dynamic vs. condenser) and how they impact vocal performance is also essential for protecting the singer’s voice.

Strategic Delegation

For SLPs, strategic delegation involves working closely with singers and other vocalists to redistribute vocal responsibilities. Teamwork makes the dream work, and by brainstorming with other performers, you can discover creative solutions such as trading demanding lines or delegating spoken parts to another singer, conserving energy for crucial moments.

Collaboration goes beyond just the vocalists. Working with sound engineers, directors, and other production team members can help create a cohesive plan that supports the singer’s vocal health. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of the performance, from sound levels to visual elements, align with the goal of minimizing vocal strain.

Hydration Hacks for Peak Performance

Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining vocal health, especially for singers with compromised voices. Adequate moisture through topical solutions can keep the vocal folds flexible and efficient. To help singers achieve optimal vocal function, you can recommend topical hydration options such as pectin lozenges that do not contain ingredients designed to reduce moisture (such as menthol). 

These methods help keep the vocal folds moist, allowing them to vibrate more efficiently and experience less strain. Steam inhalation and portable steamers or humidifiers backstage can also prevent dryness and irritation that may exacerbate vocal issues.

Additionally, it’s essential to educate singers on maintaining overall hydration levels well before and during performances. Hydration isn’t just about the day of the performance; it’s a continuous process. By drinking plenty of water throughout the day, avoiding dehydrating substances like caffeine and alcohol, and maintaining a healthy diet, singers can keep their vocal folds flexible and well-lubricated.

Speaking Voice Assessment

To address the root cause of vocal strain, assess the singer’s speaking voice. Poor habits like yelling or constant throat clearing can contribute to vocal strain. Suggest exercises to improve daily vocal hygiene, ultimately benefiting singers’ vocal health. Using techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing (aka “deep breathing” and “belly breathing”), body relaxation exercises, and gentle and intentional vocal warmups can help decrease the instances of producing voice with too much physical tension and encourage the performer to reduce cases of fatiguing vocal habits.

Additionally, you can provide singers with practical tips for protecting their voices in everyday situations. These include strategies for reducing vocal strain in noisy environments, using nonverbal communication when possible, and practicing good vocal hygiene. Educating singers on these techniques can empower them to develop healthier vocal habits that safeguard their voices both on and off the stage.

Thinking Outside the Therapy Box

SLPs should think outside the therapy box because singers often require solutions beyond traditional therapeutic exercises. Creative problem-solving and a holistic approach are crucial in addressing singers’ unique challenges, particularly when they need to perform with a compromised voice. By thinking outside the traditional therapeutic framework, SLPs can offer innovative strategies that support singers in maintaining their vocal health while continuing to perform.

Performance Modifications

Here are some strategies that can help reduce the strain on singers’ voices:

• Alter Song Arrangements: Consider adjusting song arrangements to lower the tessitura (vocal range) of demanding sections. This can make it easier for singers to perform without overexerting their voices.
• Incorporate Backing Vocals: Adding backing vocals can provide additional support, allowing the primary vocalist to rest during more challenging sections or focus on key parts of the performance.
• Transpose Songs: Transposing songs to a lower key can reduce vocal strain by shifting the music into a more comfortable range for the singer.

To support singers facing vocal limitations, you should discuss the psychological aspects of performing with a compromised voice, such as building confidence through preparation and mental rehearsal. By encouraging them to focus on delivering emotional and expressive performances, even if vocal limitations require adjustments, you can help singers maintain a strong connection with their audience. This approach ensures that the intended emotions are conveyed effectively, despite any vocal challenges they may face.

Movement and Storytelling

Another creative approach to consider is enhancing singers’ stage presence and storytelling techniques. This method enables performers to communicate effectively, even if their voice isn’t at its best. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Use Powerful Body Language: Encourage singers to use confident and expressive body movements. This can include gestures that emphasize the lyrics or themes of the song, helping to convey meaning and emotion even when the voice is less powerful.
• Engage with Facial Expressions: Suggest singers use facial expressions to express the song’s emotions. Smiling, frowning, or showing surprise can all help to communicate the message of the performance, drawing the audience’s attention away from any vocal limitations.
• Audience Engagement: Instruct singers on techniques to engage the audience, such as making eye contact, acknowledging their presence, or even interacting with them during the performance. This connection can make the performance more immersive and personal, creating a memorable experience for the audience.

By incorporating these strategies, singers can deliver a compelling and memorable performance, effectively communicating the intended emotions and narrative, even if their vocal abilities are compromised.

Visual Aids

Depending on the performance, incorporating visual aids can be a valuable strategy to support singers. Here are some options to consider:

• Lyric Projections: Use lyric projections on screens or walls to help the audience follow along with the song. This allows singers to focus on delivering key moments live without worrying about every word being perfectly articulated, thus reducing vocal strain.
• Visual Storytelling: Use techniques like thematic lighting, props, and background visuals to complement the music and lyrics. This visual aid strategy can also enhance the performance and engage the audience while providing vocal breaks for the singer.

These tools not only support the singer’s vocal health but also contribute to a more dynamic experience for the audience.

Comprehensive Care and Collaboration

Collaboration is key! As an SLP, partnering with singers, laryngologists, and other performance team members is crucial to creating personalized recovery plans that consider their unique needs and performance demands. This team-based approach ensures we address every aspect of singers’ health and performance, promoting both vocal recovery and performance quality.

By offering these creative solutions, you empower singers to navigate injuries and continue performing. Your support helps them keep the music alive, even when their voice isn’t at its best. As a professional dedicated to vocal health, your guidance and expertise can make a significant difference in a singer’s ability to manage and overcome vocal challenges.