Several years ago a well-known professional baseball player tore his ACL playing a pick-up game of basketball during the off-season. While this was an unfortunate accident, the implications of the injury were magnified when it was revealed that his contract (for which he was paid millions of dollars per year) prohibited certain activities that would jeopardize his athletic health. Playing basketball was mentioned specifically.
It’s easy for us to look at this situation and conclude that he made an idiotic decision. His choice risked all that he had worked for in his professional career as well as his lucrative contract.
Now turn the tables. How many unnecessary risks have you taken recently? How many noisy events have you voluntarily attended where you had to shout just to be heard? How many Mondays did you wake up with a voice that was still hurting from the abuse it had taken all weekend long?
I once had a student show up for class completely hoarse from screaming his head off at Disneyland. He joked about it, even knowing that his compromised condition meant that little would be accomplished in our work together that day. When he sensed that I was not happy with his decisions, he said to me, “You don’t understand, I paid a lot of money to go on this trip.” To which I replied, “How much money are you paying to go to school here?”
Of course, while we all have times where we are “on” and times when we are less disciplined toward our practice (and we all need periodic vacations), true professionals understand which risks are simply not worth taking.
You do not suddenly become a professional performer the second you receive your first paycheck from performing. You become a professional the second you decide that you are a professional and start organizing your life choices around that decision.
Yes, have fun. But not too much of the wrong kind.
Now go practice.
I agree. There are times when I have began to shout at an event and then quickly remember that I am a singer and that I can't jeopardize my voice. I have also removed myself from situations in life that frequently were causing me to raise my voice or be stressed vocally in any way because I know how important it is to keep my instrument in a good condition. Singing is one of the things I live for and one of the things that have kept me alive. I agree that we have to be professional with it, and that's what makes us professional.
ReplyDeleteThis is something I need to do a better job of. By all means I don't do anything that's seriously threatening or damaging to the voice, but I'm certainly not perfect. I very rarely go to events that require a shouting, unsupported voice so I don't have much worry there. Mostly, my risk comes from dehydration of my vocal folds and going into voice work without proper hydration. I drink alcohol and coffee and I know you have told us those are big dehydration sources. So I guess I just need to up my water intake to counterbalance it, or cut more of that stuff out. I'm looking forward to our guest speaker in a couple of weeks to talk about this kind of stuff. I'm more than willing to cut things of my lifestyle if it means bettering myself in this craft, I've sacrificed too much to let something stupid get in the way.
ReplyDeleteI COMPLETELY vibe with this blog post. If you are serious about making this your lifetime career, then you have to fully, 100% commit. Yes, you are more than allowed to take vacations to relax and rejuvenate, but this is not a career where you can take vacations that will, in the end, hinder your talents. I like to think that I do a pretty good job at making this my number one priority. There have been more times than not that I choose to stay in and get rest and take care of my body, than to go out and have a good time that will put a hinderance on my instrument the next day. I'm already pretty strict with not drinking often, but I could be even more strict to completely diminishing it. Actually just yesterday I found myself not making the right choices.. I have this problem where I LOVE to sing, all the time. And I found a new song (that I'm actually going to be bringing in next semester) and it was taxing on my voice and making it fatigued, when a few hours later I had a singing callback. After singing through the song once, I started it over to sing it again and realized what it was doing to my voice and immediately turned it off and didn't sing until I was at the callback. It takes hard work and constant, CONSTANT awareness and dedication. It definitely differentiates the pros from the amateurs, and the people who really want this and nothing more, and people who could find happiness in another career.
ReplyDeleteI used to do a lot of screaming because I had a big voice, so my logic was: "why not use it?" However, as I started taking more professional classes, I realized what that could do to me and my voice, what it could mean for my career as a singer. The whole thing that happened to Adele really hit the soft spot too, literally doing anything wrong could mean damaging my voice. So, as an adult I pay attention to the strain I put on my voice constantly. I went to a concert last week for the first time and realized how loud it really was there and instead of yelling, I would get really close to the person I was trying to talk to so that I could speak in a lower volume. I am very cautious about this kind of thing.
ReplyDeleteI don't really scream. I've never lost my voice because of yelling at a concert, or on a rollercoaster, or anything else. So, while those are not risks that necessarily apply to me, I think there are still things I'm doing that are negatively affecting me. I've been really stressed lately, and so my self-care has been compromised. I'm not taking care of both my mental and physical health like I should be. And because of that, my training is being negatively affected as well. I'm trying to take steps to help fix that, though. I'm looking for a new job so I won't have to work 30+ hours every week. I'm hoping to take fewer credits next semester so that I can more fully devote my time to my theatre classes. I'm mad at myself that I've basically wasted this first semester of my Sophomore year. But at least now I know.
ReplyDeleteI think something wonderful that has come from the daily grind and discipline of having to be a daily voice user for my education and profession is that I am vastly more attentive and aware of how I treat my voice and my body than I was in high school. I have three days of guided singing/voice use, three days of specifically targeted voice and speech classes, in addition to the carrying on of those practices into my other classes, work, and daily life. Some things, ie: antihistamines, I cannot avoid but I am definitely aware of compensating with hydration. I feel overall very aware of my health and vocal usage and quite frankly, have never really been one to scream or enjoy stressfully loud environments. But I do think that the balance between the fun, vacation necessity and the smart, disciplined lifestyle is something I need to constantly gauge for the service of my art.
ReplyDeleteI have found that I have been doing a lot of screaming in Butoh, and that stresses my voice. I also have Butoh right before my voice lessons on Wednesdays. I try to not scream as much in Butoh, but when we are in the middle of the work, it is hard to pull back when we are being told to push ourselves to our limits. I have been watching myself the most with that because I find that stresses my voice the most. There are times when I get stressed with life and school and stuff and I can feel my voice getting tired, but I always watch myself to make sure that I don't push my voice too far.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting points you bring up, Brian. What comes to mind to me is the sports games here at the U. My brother, a very impassioned sports fan, often times will have a hoarse voice after an intense game because he is screaming so much during it. Granted, he is a business major and not a theatre major, but clearly he's done some damage to his voice. I've never reached this stage, but as a fellow sports fan who enjoys attending games live, it's something important for me to consider moving forward.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, though not related to voice, this also made me think about other aspects of concert (or other loud events) attendance. Whenever I go to a concert, I always make sure to bring earplugs to lessen the damage to my ears. I think there are many such circumstances in our lives where we are knowingly or unknowingly damaging various parts of our body, and I think it's important to take every precaution possible to protect ourselves. Our bodies --our WHOLE bodies-- are our instruments, and it's important to make sure that the entirety of them are in the best condition possible, 24/7/365.
I agree with Austin, this is something I need to work on. I am the type of person who loves to scream and pump up everyone. In high school, I was the student section leader and I would always lose my voice because I felt like I had to. This was such a good blog post to read because it's always good to have those "wake up calls". I want to always have a healthy strong voice and there are so many other ways for me to share my loud voice in a healthy way.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an important post! Too often do I hear singers and people involved in musical theatre abusing their voices. Musical theatre students are stereotyped as being very loud and obnoxious, and I can't say that I disagree. I am very careful of my voice and try to always speak in a bit of a higher register to avoid vocal fry and tiring out my voice. Too many people, both men and women speak in vocal fry on a daily basis and I firmly believe that will be incredibly destructive to their voice as the years pass by if they keep it up. We all speak in vocal fry here and there. I used to speak lower than my actual voice because I was insecure that I did not sound "masculine enough". Looking back, it was absolutely prepostorous for me to have such a belief; I was damaging my vocal cords every time I spoke that way! I often hear individuals who are involved with theatre and performing complaining about losing their voice. Have they ever thought about maybe that it has to do with the part of their voice they are utilizing to speak? This past week I was getting over a cold and developed laryngitis for several days. Laryngitis is something that is caused by misuse of the voice, however, every time you are sick and coughing, your voice will of course be effected and that is exactly what happened to me. It is vital to be aware of your voice and the health of your throat.
ReplyDeleteThis is something that all college kids need to balance! It is a struggle to find the right amount of everything from school to fun, from future thinking to living in the now, social things for ones mental stability or homework doing, working or studying. ALL THE THINGS! I am finding that I have definitely come a long way from my freshman year at school and I am closer to finding a healthy way to prioritize, but it is always going to be something that I am going to face in my life - especially with a career that has everything to do with my health and commitment. I notice that I tend to go through waves of working really hard and being extra cautious for a while and then letting myself straight relax for a while. I'd like to be able to find a better mix to keep a stable day to day life.
ReplyDeleteI agree I think the most important thing you can do is have balance in what you are going and the risk-taking aspects of vocal health, and health in general. I personally had this problem when attending concerts. I find myself avoiding screaming at concerts because of fear of causing vocal damage. I sometimes catch myself over using my voice, and when I do I try to avoid any type of yelling. I think the same goes with injuries of any sort. I try to avoid doing things that could cause injury, and on top of that avoiding things that could cause injury while using my voice or performing in a show. I think sometimes you have to take a step back and realize what needs to be done, to avoid jeopardizing the integrity of your abilities. Its better to be safe than sorry, because at the end of the day these things are really not worth the risk.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading this, Brian. I have always known that I have wanted to make performance art my life long career... But it hasn't been until very recently that I have been training and conditioning my body to be the best that it can be for this profession. When I was younger, I would go to a concert and scream so hard that my voice would be gone for a week. Recently I went to a concert with a few friends, and some of them were screaming so loudly it was making my vocal cords hurt just hearing it! Sometimes I slip up and can make a poor decision in regards to what is best for my body. But I think being disciplined, caring for my body, and recognizing that nobody, not even professionals are perfect. The best thing to do is move on and be better the next time.
ReplyDeleteUsually I feel like I have something more to say to these blog posts, and have put off posting for a little while, but still am having trouble coming up with something else to add to this post. And I think that this is because I agree entirely with what is said in this post, especially "You become a professional the second you decide that you are a professional and start organizing your life choices around that decision." I generally think that it is good to have fun outside of one's career, but all the while being aware of what kind of repercussions that those things might have on one's career.
ReplyDeleteI have always known that this is what I want to do for my career, but it always seemed far off in the distance. But recently reality has been hitting me really hard. The "far off" is getting closer and closer with every decision I make. I have started to become more disciplined with myself this semester. Rather than doing the class work and using my brain, I have started trying to take care of my body and my health in order to employ my education that I have been working for. I still slip up occasionally: I have a hard time going to rock concerts and NOT screaming my head off and bursting my ear drums. I think I take pretty good care of my voice, because singing is one of my favorite things and is something I really enjoy and want in my life. I think now is the time (ha) to start to get really serious about this and employ my body in conjunction with my mind. I do think, however, that being too careful and avoiding "unhealthy" situations, like rock concerts, could be hindering to my work as an artist. I think sometimes, these unhealthy slip ups are necessary. -Beret
ReplyDeleteI also agree with this view. I have always thought that professionalism starts as soon as one decides that they want to be. It starts at the root, and that is how you learn to become a true professional right off the bat. I agree that one has to know when they are hurting their instrument and know how to take care of it and maintain it. It is up to the individual, is what I personally believe. You can decide to do things to hurt or help your instrument. You know what you are doing to yourself in the end.
ReplyDeleteWise words from the Doctor. I've never understood how people lose their voices so easily. I have always been pretty careful about not screaming too much because really it just hurts. But I love how you said that professionalism starts with the individual. Who knows when I'll book a really big gig, but it is important to understand that people are always watching your behavior. Partying too much is not only bad for you but also makes you seem sloppy and out of control. It has been very clear to me recently that people are not just hired based off of talent. It is so much more than that. And I think work ethic and taking care of yourself is a huge part of that image that we are all trying to uphold as performers.
ReplyDeleteIn high school I used to lose my voice a lot because I really love going to concerts. During senior year, my best friend got nodes and I felt really blessed that I didn't get them too, because we do everything together. After that point, I got really serious about making sure that my voice is safe at all times, even if it means avoiding participating in certain events. I stop myself when I feel fatigued and make sure that I pamper myself and nurse my voice back to health. I can't say that I am always using safe vocal technique, but I am definitely aware when my voice is hurt.
ReplyDeleteAfter the ENT came and scoped us, I think I realized just how little it takes to ruin ones voice and without being totally diligent, one can easilly mess up their vocal folds. I've always been aware about how important vocal health is, but the vox is so fragile that it really takes a constant awareness to be totally healthy.
ReplyDeletePersonally I have had to learn discipline the hard way a few times too many times and I have paid for it every time. When I first got to college fall semester freshman year I can truthfully say I often had too much fun and my body really paid for it. I thought I could not sleep, go out all the time and still be fine for class the next day, I quickly learned that was not the case. After two months at school and not treating my body kindly in any way I got very very sick. Last fall semester my body was so exhausted I got sick for over a month straight. I kept losing my voice on and off, got strep and constantly had a cold. It was because I did not care for my body as I should have and my body responded in the appropriate way. When I went back home for December break I knew I really had to change the way I treated myself second semester because it was affecting my work and my overall wellbeing, so I did. I learned that staying in is sometimes the best option and became a lot more responsible for myself, I changed my diet and my sleep schedule. Now that I am well into my second year I can honestly say I am very proud of myself for how much kinder I am to my body and can see how much it affects my work in a positive way. I learned the lesson the hard way and yes sometimes I still mess up but I am learning and growing from all my experiences.
ReplyDeleteI have always gotten hoarse from yelling at concerts, but you, Brian, have ruined that for me. More seriously though I have actually now found that I don't feel as compelled to yell at concerts because of the detrimental effect, it's just not worth it anymore to have my voice be irritated for the time afterward, and now even without yelling it doesn't at all take away from the concert. Even with speaking I find myself a lot more conscious of my use thanks to you and Chris. I still yell in an unhealthy manner (frequently) but I am working on it and there are major differences that I am so glad I have been able to notice, but there are just some times where I am not thinking, I get too excited, and I just yell without thinking.
ReplyDeleteI have a nasty habit of shouting too much when I teach parkour every week. It's outside, so I often forget. And it works for refocusing my students. However I realized last summer when I started teaching 4-6 times a week how bad my voice hurt when I sang. David helped me out by suggesting I place my voice like I'm singing and do a short straw warmup on the way there. During the school year I have not been as good about this as I only teach Saturday mornings, but this is a good reminder.
ReplyDeleteBeing a social butterfly of the 21st century, I enjoying going out with friends to the mall, a meal, a concert, Lagoon, etc. And no matter the situation or setting, my boisterous friends and I get quite loud, which unfortunately leads me to neglect respecting and taking care of my vocal folds. The decision on whether to go to a social event is always a tricky one for me since I feel I thrive on and live for being around friends or people I enjoy. In reality, using nights to rest after straining body and mind in class all day is usually the smarter choice. If I give in to peer pressure and choose to go out when I need to rest my vocal folds, I say as little as possible and talk in a released manner that does not inflict any tension. Being a talkative, overly expressive person, though, tends to inhibit my attempts at vocal rest. So I just try to maintain a sense of relaxation in the neck, jaw, and inner muscles/mechanisms used to produce sound and remind myself to calm and rest my voice and the body parts involved with it when I'm misusing or abusing it by screaming, singing without technique, and other activities.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything you said, and have to admit that, at times, I am negligent in this area. In the past couple of months of my training I have defiantly realized the importance of taking care of my instrument and the affect it can have on my career if I do not do so. I think people often view vocal injuries as less severe or serious then injuries of another nature but for many people working in the arts it is their livlyhood.
ReplyDeleteI most certainly do not behave as a professional. I have many habits, some worse than others, that I have trouble keeping in check. It's something I've been trying to work on, albeit slowly.
ReplyDeleteMy professor in another class repeated something he'd heard from a company he's familiar with. It was said by the director and was something along the lines of: "While you work for us, we are renting your body. Treat it well." This is something I think would be relevant to any professional whose body is important to their work; creature comforts and risks with your body may be fun, but keeping your body healthy and able for your profession is priority.
I think we all make decisions in the moment that aren't healthy for our job's as performing artists. Whether it is eating a late night burrito and falling asleep immediately after, or staying up all night screaming and laughing at a party, we all make bad decisions. I think over the course of this semester I have gotten a lot better about remembering to take care of my voice. It's kind of like remembering to lock the door. Once you take that extra second to remember to the lock the door, eventually it becomes second nature. I really think that is the path I am putting myself on. I have had times where I go to class after a long night of drinking, and all I do all day is regret my decisions from the night before, and it just is never worth it. I find I lose focus and energy, which are, like, the two biggest things you need in this program. Vocally, if I am screaming or shouting, I try to project and use support. Because losing my voice is my biggest pet peeve. However, I think I need to start picking and choosing when I am going to give myself some time to have fun and be free, but I also I can't jeopardize what I am ultimately working for.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Lindsie Kongsore
This is something that is a very real kick-in-the-pants kind of reminder.
ReplyDeleteThat I 100% resonate with. I used to be the type of person who would go to concerts and scream my head off to sing along (as if anyone could hear me and as if I was singing in remotely the right key). But two weeks ago I went to a concert and I found myself assessing the risks. Okay, if I sing along, tomorrow in singing I might not be able to sing to my fullest ability.... It also helped that it was for an artist that I didn't know quite as well. But it was a good reminder that I could still have a great time, while maintaining my vocal health as a professional voice user. ;
There are certain other things that I need to apply this to though, other situations where I need to weigh the pros/cons of the 'fun' vs. the pay off.
Great reminder Brian, especially as we go into Christmas Break and the New Year.
(Not sure if I get partial points for commenting late, but it's worth a shot haha.) It's really funny that the title of this blog post is "self preservation" because it's finals week and I'm dying. It's really hard to give your body the proper care it needs when you have so much to do and not enough time, and have to go to work as well. Speaking of work, I recently got hired as a host at the Olive Garden downtown, so I have to yell things like "Sarah, party of 2" really loud. The girl who was training me was like, "you have to yell 3 times louder than that" and I'm like, "lady. I literally sing for a living. I can't scream at the top of my lungs." But I guess I have to figure out how to yell that loud healthily.
ReplyDeleteI know its late but I'm doing this just in case!
ReplyDeleteI know that I struggle with self-preservation in a different way than taking risks. My way is not knowing when to say no or when to quit if everything is piling up and becoming more than I can keep up with while still making sure that I can take care of myself and stay healthy. This happens often when you combine school, work, and a show or some combination there of, especially in our program with early morning dance which is graded on attendance. I need to know when to quit and I know that many people around me are the same. The key is knowing my limits and how to say no and when to say no.