Music Monday - Back to school
/As Australian teachers return to school after the long summer break, it is timely to talk about voice care.
Teachers are high energy voice users and music teachers in particular need to be mindful of caring for their voice.
Here are some tips I have learned over the years – from singing and voice colleagues as well as fellow teachers:
Try to incorporate a basic voice warm-up into your drive to school. Some gentle sirening on a lip trill, ‘ng’ phoneme or vowel sound will help. Start in the middle of your speaking pitch range and gradually explore higher and lower pitches.
Keep your larynx well hydrated with frequent sips of water throughout the teaching day.
Avoid shouting over your class – establish a signal for attention early in the year. My favourite is to clap a 4- beat pattern which the class echo back. If established at the start of the year it becomes a habit and a terrific way to refocus the students’ attention on what you need to say – as well as bringing them back to the task at hand.
Eliminate throat clearing! If you are a habitual throat clearer, make 2020 the year you break the habit. Try to swallow instead.
Don’t smoke.
Avoid excessive talking / singing when you have a cold.
If you direct a school choir, sing only the parts which are appropriate for your singing range.
What are your favourite voice care tips? We would love you to share by commenting below.
Happy teaching!
