I am a singer, but I also do cheerleading, which pretty much shoots my voice. I have my exams (abrsm level 4 and college exams) coming up in December, and I was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions (besides taking it easy in cheerleading) for how to keep my voice nice and clear and my throat feeling good. I have tried boiling ginger root in water and drinking it, and it seems to help, but I would REALLY appreciate it if anyone had any other suggestions. Thank you sooo much!!!!

Hi Love2Sing

First, have you talked to your singing teacher about cheerleading? They may have suggestions on how to protect your voice while you're doing it. Similarly talk to the person in charge of cheerleading and explain your concerns about your singing exam and again ask if there's any way of protecting your throat.

Ginger root is good. Also you could try a teaspoonful of honey if your throat is feeling a bit off. The other thing I use is a thick slice of lemon (approx 1cm thick) cut up into quarters in a mug of boiling water. This helps me keep my throat clear. The ultimate option is to put all three (ginger, lemon and honey) in the same mug with the hot water.

If I'm horribly throaty on the day of an exam or performance, I use lemon Locket cough sweets, as I find them the most effective in the short-term for making my throat feel better. I suck one five to 10 minutes before I warm up. And I drink water during warm up and before performing.

Best of luck.

Cheers

Katyjay

Thank you so much Katyjay!!! I will definitely try all of your great advice!

Does anyone else have any advice? By the way, I have never heard of Lemon Locket cough sweets. What are they? Can you only get them in England, because I havn't seen them in the U.S. before. THANKS!!!

strepsils might have the same effect...?

What is that??? Also, I have been told that honey is not good for your throat because it coats your throat. Is that true?