Vocal rest is one of the most important and sometimes overlooked aspects of vocal care. This practice is essential for singers to ensure their vocal cords remain strong, resilient, and capable of delivering their best performances.
In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of vocal rest, address common questions, and share tips on how you can incorporate this practice into your routine effectively.
What is vocal rest?
Vocal rest is a period during which a singer minimises or entirely avoids using their voice. This could mean refraining from singing, speaking, or even whispering, depending on the level of strain the vocal cords have experienced. Think of it as a reset for your voice – a time for recovery and repair.
When singers use their voice intensively – whether during rehearsals, performances, or even prolonged conversations – their vocal cords vibrate thousands of times per second. This means they’re more susceptible to strain from overuse or improper technique. Prioritising vocal rest allows the cords to recover and helps prevent long-term damage.
Vocal coaches will be the first to argue that vocal rest is akin to the recovery period athletes need after intense physical activity. Just as athletes wouldn’t run a marathon every day without rest, singers shouldn’t push their voices to the limit without allowing time for recovery.
Why is vocal rest important?
Without adequate rest, your voice can lose clarity, stamina, and range. Continuous use of your vocal chords without proper care can lead to inflammation or even vocal injuries like nodules.
Singing is a physically demanding activity. Every time you sing, your vocal cords vibrate to produce sound, and your breath control, posture, and resonance play a role in ensuring a quality performance.
“The voice is a human instrument. It needs to balance work and rest to play to the best of its ability.” – Eric Vetro
Prolonged or intense use of the voice without rest can lead to issues such as:
- Hoarseness or fatigue
- Loss of vocal range or control
- Inflammation of the vocal cords
- Vocal nodules or polyps
By incorporating vocal rest into your routine, you not only preserve your vocal health but also ensure that you can perform at your best consistently.
How to rest your voice
To maintain long-term vocal health, it’s important to develop strategies to protect and preserve the voice and integrate rest into your routine. Here are some of vocal rest tips:
- Limit talking
Minimise speaking, especially in environments where you might need to raise your voice, such as noisy rooms or outdoor events. If you do need to speak, try to keep your tone soft and relaxed.
- Stay hydrated
Hydration is a cornerstone of vocal health. Drinking plenty of water keeps your vocal cords lubricated, which is essential for recovery. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can dehydrate the body and the vocal cords.
- Use steam
Inhaling steam can soothe and moisturise the vocal cords. A warm shower or a personal steam inhaler can be particularly effective after a long day of vocal use.
- Avoid whispering
While it might seem like a quieter alternative, whispering can strain the vocal cords even more than normal speech. Instead, opt for complete silence or a soft, natural tone if speaking is unavoidable.
- Protect your voice from irritants
Steer clear of smoke, harsh chemicals, and allergens, which can irritate the throat and hinder vocal recovery. For singers exposed to makeup, hairspray, or perfumes, breathing through the nose rather than the mouth can minimise exposure to these irritants.
How long should I be on vocal rest?
The duration of vocal rest depends on the extent of vocal strain and the demands of your schedule. For minor fatigue, a day or two of voice rest might suffice. However, after a rigorous performance schedule or if you’re recovering from vocal strain, longer periods – up to several weeks – may be necessary.
In some cases, staying totally silent for an evening will be enough, especially if you also get a solid night’s sleep. Other times it may be that you need a whole week of silent recovery. You’ll find this is the case for singers who’ve been on tour, flying or travelling a lot or whose schedules have been particularly busy.
If you notice signs of vocal fatigue, such as hoarseness or difficulty hitting your usual range, take a step back and give your voice the rest it needs. When in doubt, consult a vocal specialist who can provide personalised recommendations.
How to talk during vocal rest
If absolute silence isn’t practical, there are ways to minimise the impact of speaking on your vocal cords.
- Speak in short sentences and only when necessary.
- Use a soft, clear tone and avoid raising your voice.
- Keep your speech relaxed, and take frequent pauses to rest your voice.
- Consider alternative communication methods, such as writing notes or using apps to convey messages.
Does vocal rest actually work?
Vocal rest is an evidence-based method for protecting and healing the voice. Many professional singers incorporate periods of vocal rest into their routines to maintain peak performance and prevent issues like nodules or polyps.
Protecting long-term vocal health
There are everyday choices you can make to help your voice. Spotting opportunities where you can protect your voice and preserve your vocal chords is part of this. Consider declining social plans or choose watching a movie over heading to a concert, for example.
Here are some strategies to protect your vocal health in the long term.
- Build a routine: Incorporate regular rest days into your practice schedule, especially after performances.
- Warm-up: Before singing, always warm up your voice to reduce the risk of strain. Practise breathing techniques too.
- Cool down: After performances or practice sessions, engage in a gentle cool-down routine to reset your voice.
- Be mindful of posture: Maintain good posture while singing or resting to avoid unnecessary tension in your neck and shoulders.
Vocal rest is a simple yet powerful tool for singers to maintain their vocal health. Singers should prioritise their voice’s well-being by balancing practice with rest. It’s all part of learning to protect and improve your voice.
By following these tips, you can ensure your voice stays strong, flexible, and ready for every performance. Learn more from Eric Vetro, and special guests in his BBC Maestro course Sing Like the Stars.
