Singer Sundays

As with any profession, the more experience gained, the more knowledge possessed. After seventeen years of working as a professional vocalist, I have picked up quite a few tips and tricks for maintaining a healthy voice. Singer Sundays is my means of passing on this information and hoping it will serve useful to those who enjoy sharing the gift of vocal music.

Tip #1
Spring is one of my favorite times of year but is also one of the most dangerous to the voice. Viruses and germs from the winter linger and pose a potential threat to vocalists gearing up for Easter and Spring concerts. If you are struggling with phlegm, allergies, or stuffiness, Starbucks offers a sinus opening drink called the Medicine Bomb. It is on their secret menu so you must ask and oftentimes tell the Barista the recipe, but the effects are surprisingly effective. It not only soothes the throat but opens up the sinus cavities. It also contains little caffeine and a good dose of honey so the vocal folds do not dry out. The downside is the steamed lemonade contains sugar which can irritate the vocal cords. If you try to avoid sugar, then ask for the recipe minus the lemonade and add additional honey. I now make my own Medicine Bomb as daily morning drink and have found it not only helpful but also delicious. The recipe is below. If you find yourself struggling before a performance, give this drink a try. It won’t fix your voice, but it will ease and provide relief for a smoother warmup and performance.

Starbucks Medicine Bomb
Venti cup w/ a bag of Jade citrus mint tea and a bag of Peach tranquility tea – add half hot water, half steamed lemonade – add a little honey for its anti-microbial effects – optional add a pump of peppermint. If you need caffeine free, exchange Jade citrus mint with Mint Majesty.