Vocal Congestion

Diana Yampolsky

In this column, I would like to talk about a common problem among many aspiring singers: singing with the nasal voice. Often at both the amateur and even professional level you will hear singers that sound like they are literally whining instead of singing. The sound they are producing is very thin and nasal because they are incorrectly singing through their nose. The mistake they are making is that they are placing the voice vertically starting at the throat and out through the nasal cavity instead of the vocal chambers. This prevents any resonation and the sound coming out of their mouth is very unpleasant to say the least. One way of describing this type of singing is to think of the difference between broadcasting with a small antenna instead of a satellite dish - it sounds quieter, fuzzier and frustrates the listener a great deal.

Actually, for some people a nasal sounding voice is not the result of incorrect vocal technique but can truly be attributed to the environment in which they live. It's no secret that modern cities are very polluted and today's singers have to deal with polluted air and allergies that singers before the 20th century did not. A large percentage of the population has plugged up sinuses due to pollution and these sinus cavities need to be clear for singing. Quite a few people have to deal with both of the above. They have both incorrect technique and plugged up sinuses. This combination is pretty common and has resulted in a lot of unpleasant sounding singers. An example of this was an aspiring singer who asked me to become her vocal coach. She told me one thing that had always bothered her was that whenever she performed and people heard her sing, they always asked her if she had a cold. The story did have a happy ending as I was able to help her though a methodology very similar to the one that I use for clients who have damaged their voices. For most people that have wrecked their vocal anatomy due to incorrect vocal technique I am usually able to help them regain their voice through a combination of natural herbal remedies and instruction in correct vocal technique. I apply similar methods to cure vocal congestion.

To modify the incorrect vocal technique that often produces vocal congestion and a sick, nasal sounding voice, I use a number of specific vocal exercises designed to condition them to bring the sound through the facial cavities and vocal chambers instead of through the nasal passage. The main vowels of the singing alphabet are: Ah, Ooo, Eh, Oh, Eee. If you visualize each vowel going in a circular direction around your face and above your head, you will be able to avoid a nasal cavity. If the sound becomes narrower than 360 degrees radius, the sound will most likely end up in your nose. Unless you need a little bit of a nasal sound for your style of music, I would not recommend using it. To counter stuffed up sinuses due to allergies, I use a number of natural herbal remedies. SNX is very effective for clearing the sinuses and even alleviates chronic sinusitis. Fenugreek and Thyme is very good for treating sinus headaches. Two drops of Labilia in each ear 2-3 times a day will clear your mucus membranes and relieve congestion. To conclude, I'd like to say that 'Vocal Congestion' is a common but completely treatable problem. As discussed above, it can stem from either incorrect technique or allergic reactions or even both. A combination of vocal exercises and herbal remedies will cure even the most stuffed up singer. However, some time I read an article by a singer who said that singing off a phlegmy, congested vocal anatomy helps him to achieve a rock'n roll 'raspy' style. I can assure you that you can learn how to sing in this style (or any others) naturally and without the 'aid' of any phlegm and congestion.