Just found out that a good friend who has a beautiful singing voice is also a regular smoker! Am I right in thinking that he is damaging his voice?

It must do!

I found something interesting:

http://www.smokefreeislington.nhs.uk/info/staffs_health.html

Car Expert

Yes - he's not just damaging his voice but his entire health.

David

Yep, it's just unhealthy. My flute teacher smokes and I've never been able to understand that!

Thanks July - that's interesting! How can someone who aspires to excellence in music also be a smoker? It doesn't make sense, does it?

They might aspire to sound like Lotti Lenya or Lee Marvin, but most sensible singers wouldn't...

I'm in a singing group of 13 of which 3 (myself included) are non-smokers. With 8 hours of rehearsals per week I'm seriously worried about my health.

I know several VERY good singers fairly far on in their careers who smoke - my guess is that they won't be very good for very long!

You have to be a real idiot to smoke.

Steve

Smoking...oh, dear. It has to harm his voice, or at least his breath support, and secondhand smoke can also harm others!