This is how long the average set of female vocal cords are. Opera singers tend to demand a lot from such a small muscle. I try to baby mine as much as possible, but sometimes they give out for no apparent reason.
This week has been one of those times. what started out as a slight scratching on Monday turned into full-blown laryngitis on Thursday, despite epic amounts of sleep, tea, gargling and steaming. I had just been congratulating myself on not getting sick so far this winter! Spoken too soon.
The damage from this bout of illness isn't too great. I did cancel one audition today, having learned my lesson from MANY auditions performed in less-than-perfect vocal health: If you are sick, DON'T sing! There is always next year if you cancel. If you don't, the judges may think that's how you sing at your peak, and as a result never hear you again. As much as it pains me to miss out on an opportunity, I didn't miss anything crucial and I have some very important auditions and performances in the near future for which I need to rest up.
Nothing is more frustrating for me than throat illness. It is the same as a dancer breaking their foot....when I can't sing, I can't work. Luckily most of my income is from teaching at the moment, which I can croak out for a couple of days, as long as I am silent the rest of the time. Hopefully taking this weekend as easy as possible will set me up for next week in good voice.
Check out my website, www.samanthastein.com, for a few exciting upcoming performances!
Now back to bed.
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