Articles by Anthony F. Jahn

Why Water Feels Good

Dear Dr. Jahn,

I’ve heard that the water you drink never actually touches your vocal folds. So why does it feel so good to drink water during my gigs, if the water isn’t even coming in contact with them?

-Jerry

Dear Jerry,

You’re absolutely right: the water you swallow does not touch your vocal folds.

Indeed, if it did, you would start to > read more

Please Help My Raspy Voice.

Dr. Jahn,

I often wake up with a raspy voice (due to a cold, or acid reflux, or a late night of singing), but I have to talk all day at my job. What are some exercises or tricks to help me get my raspy voice ready for the day?

-Kendra

Dear Kendra,

“Morning voice” is a common complaint. Even in the absence of reflux or a cold, many of us wake up with a husky voice.

And performing the night before, especially in a noisy, possibly smoky, environment surely doesn’t help!

There are many factors to consider, and incorporate into your management of “morning voice”.

First, I would certainly address the > read more

Too Much Mucous

Get to the root cause of the excess “stuff” blocking your singing -says Dr. Jahn

Doc,

This is going to sound a bit gross, but I’ve got to deal with it. I have an excess of mucous – so, I’m always clearing my throat. It’s throughout the year so I don’t think it’s from allergies. I also don’t eat much in the way of foods like cheese and milk etc. It’s really bothersome and, as a result, I don’t think I am singing at my best – what can I do? (ps. I don’t like taking strong meds.)

-Gary

Dear Gary,

Did you know that a whole book was once written about mucus?

Titled “De Catarrhis”, it was written by > read more

Singing When Sick

The show can still go on – but don’t make singing when ill a habit -says Dr. Jahn

Dear Doctor Jahn,

When I have a bad cough and sore throat, I know I shouldn’t sing, but what if I have a gig I can’t get out of? What can I do to minimize harm to my voice?

-Steve

Dear Steve,

While there are many potential causes for a sore throat and another bunch of causes for a cough; when the two occur together, you most likely have an > read more

Talk Better, Sing Better

Reap vocal benefits by applying technique to your talking –says Dr. Jahn

Dear Doctor Jahn,

I don’t want to seem like I’m paranoid but I’ve been wondering about how my talking affects my singing voice – specifically how I might change my talking throughout the day to improve my singing? If I talk in a higher/lower pitch can I improve my singing range?

-Geoff

Dear Geoff,

What a terrific question!

Not many singers consider that > read more

Water is My Cure-All

Singing and ice-skating have something important in common –says Dr. Jahn

Dear Doctor Jahn,

Would you say that water is the closest thing we have to a “cure-all” when it comes to singing? I mean, I do a lot of singing in bars and clubs and I drink a LOT of water and I really haven’t had issues that other questioners have(hoarseness, sore-throats etc.)

-Gus

Dear Gus,

Since our bodies are over 90% water, it would make sense that staying wet will > read more

Do I Need A Sore Throat?

Dear Dr. Jahn,

Is getting a sore throat after singing something singers just have to live with?

-Cathy

Dear Cathy,

The short answer is a resounding No!

Feeling pain in your throat or neck after singing is a warning that you are doing something that is technically not right.

While some degree of general fatigue, vocal fatigue, even a little bit of hoarseness may occur – especially after strenuous singing – you really should not experience > read more

The Post-Nodule Singer

Nodules can actually be compared to corns on your toes –says Dr. Jahn

Dear Dr. Jahn,

It has been over 6 months since my nodules healed and I have had several successful performances where my voice is behaving reasonably well, but there are many times where I seem to be going backwards. The littlest things seem to throw my voice into a tailspin for days and days! Also, my very highest notes have still not come back since my vocal injury. Any advice?

-Kathy

Dear Kathy,

I have a number of questions for you which > read more

Ugh. I’ve Got A Cold!

Learn the ways to minimize vocal stress and strain when you have to sing with a cold -says Dr. Jahn

Dear Doctor Jahn,

Is it ok to keep singing even when I’ve got a cough and sore throat? On the one hand I don’t want to by a hypochondriac afraid to stretch myself but on the other hand I don’t want to do any damage which will affect the gigs I have after I get over my cold.

-Kelly

Dear Kelly:

In general, when you have a cold or a sore throat, it is better not > read more

My Voice Needs Help – Now.

Know the symptoms that mean a trip to the ENT sooner rather than later…

Dear Dr. Jahn,

How do I convince my G.P. to refer me to a E.N.T. to look at my vocal chords? My appt. With my E.N.T. is 2 months away! Where can I get help for my vocal problems between now and then?

-Kerry

Dear Kerry

I am assuming that you are in the U.K., and dealing with the > read more

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