<p>Are there any "secrets of the trade" for singing while not feeling well? Particularly with a sore throat. My daughter has her first admission audition next weekend and woke up this morning complaining of a sore throat. This is a one shot chance for a live audition due to the distance of the school. Any tips in case she is not over it by the time she auditions? Any suggestions would be helpful!</p>
<p>She should get plenty of rest for the next week, drink lots of water, and avoid talking and singing as much as possible for the next week. On the flight (I assume you are flying given the distance), she should not speak at all; we all tend to strain to be heard while on planes; my wife’s vocal teacher refused to ever speak while on a plane. Keep her environment well-humidified for the next week if you live in a dry area. If she is congested on the day of the audition, steam (running reasonably hot water in a sink with one’s head covered by a towel if no shower is convenient) is generally better than potions. Speaking of potions, be very careful about what you use since some do more harm than good to vocal cords.</p>
<p>Ideally all vocalists have a recording to submit in place of their live audition for those inevitable times when they cannot sing. While obviously a live audition is preferable, be sure to stay positive with your daughter. Visiting the campus and meeting people there is a valuable experience. If nothing else, it gives you a basis on which to evaluate other campuses, music schools, and music faculty.</p>
<p>If you search, you will find several threads about what sore-throat vocalists do on audition weekend, including lengthy discussions on various medicinal remedies.</p>
<p>I hope that your daughter has a speedy recovery.</p>
<p>You can purchase a steam inhaler at the drug store for about $30. Use it without any menthol pads… just steam. Drink lots of water (at least a gallon a day), avoid excessive talking and singing. Avoid caffeine (including teas with caffeine), and cough drops with any kind of menthol. </p>
<p>Lots of sleep. </p>
<p>Sent from my DROID RAZR using CC</p>
<p>Do not substitute whispering for talking. It is actually harder on the vocal cords. IF the sore throat persists 3 days, get in for a strep test and have it looked at for seriousness. Stress can be causing acid reflux. Look up GIRD and Silent Relfux. Take the precautions recommended for those, too. Take the CD wth you in case singing is not possible. They understand. It happens all of the time, it is the season. </p>
<p>For the rest of the audition season, be religous on getting enough sleep as hard as that is and keeping hands clean. Use the above recommendations for humidity and personal steamer. Check out a nettie pot. It looks gross but keeps the nasal passages clear. She should be a fanatic with hand cleanser and staying away from sick people. </p>
<p>And smile. There are some cute youtube riffs on the precautions singers take to stay healthy. Add some humor. Good luck. Those of us past this phase have all been there. They do get through it and get into a school.</p>
<p>Do NOT use any throat/cough drops with menthol in them, and read labels because things are reformulated without warning. My D swears by Airborne- even if it’s only in her head, she is convinced it helps- a Neti Pot, tea and hand gel.
Getting a flu shot at least a month before beginning the traveling circuit is really advisable too.</p>