Articles by Anthony F. Jahn

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

My Bowels Aren’t Cooperating…

It’s time to rehearse some ways through high anxiety -says Dr. Jahn

Hey Doc,

I get so nervous before I sing that I literally feel like I’m going to poo my pants. Once I’m into the song this goes away but it’s an excruciating and terribly uncomfortable feeling before hand. What can I do to keep my stomach in check?

-Bill

Dear Bill,

What you are describing, in your own charming way, is a case of stage fright.

The need to evacuate your bowels and bladder in times of high anxiety is so common, that during World War I, a favorite send-off to pilots who were heading off on a bombing mission was “Keep a tight asshole!”

So, this is not new.

My suggestion, first, is to go to the bathroom before going on stage.

If you do experience stage fright, you may wish to consider a low dose of Inderal (generic name is propanolol), a beta blocker which can reduce both your heart rate and your general anxiety level.

Other ways of managing stage fright abound, most importantly good preparation of your material, meditation, and visualization.

But propanolol has stood the test of time, with the proviso that it might actually make you too calm, and take away some of the excitement of your performance.

So, good luck, and bombs away!

-Anthony F. Jahn, MD

Dr. Jahn welcomes your questions. You can send these to editor@voicecouncil.com

This discussion is for general information and not to be construed as specific medical advice that you should obtain from your own physician.

I Don’t Have Time to Rest My Voice

Be a sleuth and discover the behaviours that made you need to rest your voice in the first place…

Dear Doctor Jahn,

I’ve heard so many singers and coaches speak about “vocal rest” But how do I “rest” my voice? No singing? No talking? No loud singing? Those all sound impossible options for me, given my schedule and obligations!

-Kerry

Dear Kerry,

There are many types of vocal rest. Absolute rest of course refers to not uttering a word.

Patients who have hemorrhaged into the vocal folds are advised to do this.

I tell such patients that the only thing they’re allowed to say is > read more

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