Articles

Singer in a black T-shirt clears her throat, hand on her throat, against a neutral background.
Meghan McCall

Why Throat Clearing Might Be Hurting Your Voice—And What to Do Instead

Throat clearing may feel like a quick fix, but repeated friction inflames your vocal folds and feeds a cycle of irritation. Learn gentle alternatives—like sipping warm liquids, soft humming, steam inhalation, or saline rinses—to protect your voice. Awareness is the first step: notice how often you clear your throat and try low-impact solutions for lasting relief.

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Singer in a black T-shirt touches her throat with one hand while holding a glass of milk in the other; a milk jug and a glass of water sit on the table, and a blurred music stand appears in the background.
Meghan McCall

Dairy and Singing – Harmful Habit or Overhyped Myth?

Discover the truth about dairy and singing: while milk doesn’t create new mucus, it can thicken existing mucus and affect vocal clarity for some singers. Learn how to experiment with timing—enjoy dairy 2–3 hours before performing and stay hydrated afterward—or try oat and almond alternatives. Ultimately, it’s about understanding your own voice and making informed choices rather than following blanket rules.

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Singer touching her throat with a concerned expression, seated at a table holding turmeric, ginger, and berries beside a steaming herbal tea mug and a white humidifier, with a blurred sheet-music stand in the background.
Meghan McCall

Is Your Voice Inflamed? Learn the Signs and Support Your Recovery

Recognize early signs of vocal inflammation—like a tight, “hot” feeling or loss of clarity—before they derail your singing. Learn how gentle rest (avoiding whispering), steam inhalation, and anti-inflammatory foods (turmeric, berries, leafy greens, ginger) support faster recovery. When your voice feels “off,” pause, hydrate, and care for it intentionally to bounce back stronger.

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Singer in a black T-shirt standing with arms raised overhead, eyes closed in a lip trill; a blurred sheet-music stand and yoga mat are visible in the softly lit background.
Meghan McCall

Your Voice Has a Wake-Up Routine—Here’s How to Build It

Kickstart your vocal power each morning with a simple wake-up routine that goes beyond coffee. From sipping room-temperature water or herbal tea to gentle stretches, lip trills, and breath exercises, discover how these easy steps can boost tone, stamina, and focus all day long. Ready to turn that morning croak into a clear, confident voice? Learn how to build a vocal foundation that sets you up for success.

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Singer holding a water bottle in one hand and a fork poised over a plate of grilled chicken, brown rice, and avocado, with a blurred sheet music stand in the background.
Meghan McCall

What to Eat Before You Perform – A Singer’s Guide to Smart Fuel

Discover how the right pre-show fuel can transform your performance. From staying energized and focused to preventing vocal fatigue, what you eat (and when) plays a key role in delivering your best onstage. Ready to unlock the secret to sustained power and clear tone? Dive into our singer’s guide to smart fueling and step into the spotlight feeling confident, strong, and fully supported.

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Young woman steaming her face over a humidifier while holding a water bottle, with a towel draped over her head and blurred sheet music in the background.
Meghan McCall

Hydration for Singers – Why Sipping Isn’t Enough

Hydration for singers goes beyond simply sipping water—it requires a daily blend of internal and external practices to keep vocal folds lubricated and healthy. By pairing regular water intake with hydrating foods, humidifiers, and steam inhalation, you ensure your voice stays resilient and free from fatigue.

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Close-up of a young woman’s lower face and hand practicing straw phonation with a long blue straw, wearing a black shirt, with blurred sheet music and a water bottle in the background.
Meghan McCall

Why Straw Phonation Belongs in Every Singer’s Routine

Unlock the power of straw phonation—an easy, portable SOVT exercise that balances airflow, reduces vocal strain, and enhances tone. By creating just the right back pressure, it helps your vocal folds close efficiently, leading to a clearer, more resilient sound. Ideal for warming up, recovering post-performance, or cooling down, this technique also promotes relaxation and prevents inflammation. Incorporate one-minute straw sessions throughout the day to build consistency, endurance, and control—whether you’re gearing up for an audition, a lengthy set, or a speaking engagement.

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