Q&A for How to Prepare to Sing

Water is definitely the best thing to drink before singing. Some singers like adding a bit of lemon or honey to the water, or prefer warm water. It's best to avoid creamy things like milk or sugary liquids like soda.

Drinking enough water, in general, will help the mucus that coats your vocal cords be more viscus, so your throat will feel more clear all the time. Gargling with warm water can help too, and having a relaxed spacious throat while you sing helps tons. If your throat consistently feels gunky, check with your doctor.

Any foods that help your body be at its best are good for your vocal cords. In addition, foods that cause you to retain fluid or have a mild allergic reaction can cause swelling in the vocal cords, which will make your vocal tone airier.

Your voice can sound thin if you focus your sound into a small space just behind your nose, which will give you a sound called "ping."

Practicing a ton to be fully prepared is important. Also, give yourself small opportunities to face your stage fright. Sing in front of one trusted friend, and then when that gets more comfortable, sing in front of your family. Then try something like karaoke or an open mic. Work your way up.

Professional singers figure out the foods that are problematic and avoid those pretty much always. For example, a colleague of mine never eats sugar so that she can sing better.

Fake it until you make it. Sometimes if you act as though you're having a good time, you will start to actually have a good time. Don't focus on what is irritating you, but focus on singing your best and having fun.

Take a deep breath, relax, and pretend you're going to sing in the shower.

Some voices need unique care, and while warm water with honey and lemon works most of the time, for some people it doesn't. Try gargling salt water instead.

Any type of honey will work similarly, but unsweetened or natural honey is your best bet.

No, this is not true at all! Alcohol drys up your throat, and leaves you having a sore or raspy throat/voice.

Warm-up before the rehearsal, pay attention to your director and sing your heart out!

Know your singing range. While it's good to push your limits (pitch-wise) while warming up or practicing, you should be comfortable with what you're singing, meaning make sure you're singing in your range and not straining. Also make sure you have good breath support.

When you sing, press in your chin, and it should eventually get your octave a little higher. And also, make sure you clear your throat.

Lifting your arms above your head is going to expand your rib cage and help with breathing. But being upside down isn't necessary. Putting your hands behind your head and breathing deeply will have the same effect.

Drink some honey and lemon tea before you sing, and make sure to clear your throat before you begin.

First, practice all the time: in the shower, in the car, and before you go to bed every night. The best way to practice as a beginner is to sing with a CD, and when your vocal cords get stronger figure out your singing range. You can do this by getting online and searching for a 4-octave scale to measure a vocal range. The best way to start performing is on the street for coins, then at Christmas time ask around for a party to sing at. You should also not eat dairy within 3 hours of performing or rehearsing.

Drink lots of water before and after songs. Keep a bottle of water handy on stage and remember to breathe deeply through your nose.

Try to use a soft voice and don't force the tune. Make sure your throat is clear.

Know your range. Don't try singing too high. Match your voice to the keys of a piano. Make sure you warm up before singing.

Think about what interests you. Chances are, you might be good at one of these things. Also, if there is a talent that you are interested in having, work at it. If you enjoy it, it'll be much easier to get motivated.

Look at the very back of the room. Just focus on the wall back there. This way it appears that you are looking out into the audience, but you won't actually be seeing all those faces.

The best thing to do would be to drink hot (warm) tea. It will clear up any sinuses or backup in your throat and helps a lot with vocal chords.

After warming up your voice, play a middle C on a keyboard or piano and sing to match the pitch. Work your way up, matching each note, and when you can no longer sing the note comfortably, stop and make note of the highest note you could match. Then begin again at middle C and work your way down, repeating the same process. This will give you an idea of your range, although with practice and healthy singing most people can expand their range.

Yes, just make sure you don't drink too much because it can dry out your throat.

Sure, it's "allowed", but warm water will help your vocal cords warm quicker.

If you have a piano or a piano app, you should start at a middle C and go down and up from there. You will feel when this note is too high/low for you. Be careful not to strain your voice.

You can drink water, breathe, just relax and try to imagine your singing to nobody.

You can actually do both at the same time. The trick is singing daily, but not enough to hurt your voice or to get tired. You should allow time for practice, and time for resting your voice.

Gargle salt water and hydrate constantly. Use saline nose spray and blow your nose frequently. Make sure you cough gently. If possible, avoid steroids, antihistamines, cough suppressants, and vasoconstrictors because they may cause a "rebound" increase in mucus production. Continue to gently practice, avoiding any note that you can't reach without strain. Design some vocal work-arounds for notes or passages that are temporarily out of reach. Be sure to get lots of rest.