I've got to sing in a big church service on Thursday, but I've gone hoarse and can't sing for very long without straining my voice...our choir trainer suggested Throat Specific which I've been using. It is just about the foulest thing I have ever tasted..has anyone else here used it, and is best to try and take it neat or gargle???

I've never posted on Viva Voice before, as although I sing, I don't really think of myself as a singer. I hope you don't mind me coming in to ask for advice.

If you've gone hoarse, the problem is swelling in the vocal folds - nothing you drink or spray will touch them or help at all.

Do steam inhalations over a bowl of pure hot water - this will apply topical hydration and help a little.

Warm-up daily with some gentle sirening on NG.

VERY good luck for your concert !

Allan

... and if the voice really goes or is completely hoarse, there's just one thing to do: Shutting up!

Seriously, you might do yourself more harm than good if you continue singing with an affected voice. If it doesn't clear, I would seriously consider not singing at all. If you were a professional singer and absolutely couldn't miss a performance because of contract- or money issues, there's always the opportunity of cortisone, but I reckon no GP would seriously consider this if you didn't have a very good reason. In the end, it is a heavy medication which can have side-effects.

So, I would maybe really rest the voice and see how things are developping. Good luck!

Yes, very good point Mezzo !

If you don't absolutely have to do the concert - DROP OUT ! I was assuming that you had no choice.

Vocal rest is the best thing - and perhaps some questioning of your technique if it's singing that made you hoarse - fix the cause rather than the symptom.

Thanks for the advice...yes I am resting my voice and using steam as well and the situation is gradually resolving itself. It wouldn't be the end of the world if I didn't sing but it would leave rather a gap in the small group that is singing two short pieces at this service. It's just frustrating!!

Read this thread with interest, as my voice up and left me yesterday afternoon...

I'm going for the 'don't sing, barely speak, drink water' option. This means plenty of whiteboard usage today...