Contemporary Vocal Artistry in Popular Culture Musics - Essay Example

Healthy Vocal Production Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation Healthy Vocal Production Healthy vocal production can be defined as strategic ways in which a speaker or a singer gains knowledge on how to improve and cure vocal disorders. It has been identified that most contemporary musicians are having problems with voices that sometimes led to surgery. Most of these artists have a tendency of ignoring healthy tips given by either otolaryngologist, a vocal coach or a speech pathologist. One of the primary health disorders with the singers includes two hemorrhages of the vocal cords. For one to speak eloquently or sing effectively and efficiently various health tips have to be put into considerations. It is explicitly, that some of the famous singers nowadays are taking less time into their careers compared to those who were there before. Some of the major problems arise due to several reasons such as injuries, cancer infections, and overuse of the voice. Some factors such as hoarse voice strained throat and loss of ability to high notes when singing helps one to identify vocal problems. In case of vocal health, several tips have been identified to deal with the issues either to prevent or cure the problem. The most well-known way to maintain healthy voice is by drinking a lot of water, about six to eight glasses. Water is more useful in throat lubrication than any other liquid. Throat clearing can cause acute vocal cord injury. Throat clearing can be alternated by taking a sip of water or simply by coughing. Another crucial factor that causes a vocal problem is taking of alcohol, smoking of either cigarette or bhang as swell as caffeine dehydrated beverages. Drugs can cause vocal cord irritation and swelling that can permanently change the quality of one’s voice. To avoid such irritations, one should reduce or quit taking these drugs. Misuse of voices especially to celebs while tiring to yell and scream to vast population causes throat destruction. These eventually results to dry throat, tiredness and a hoarse voice that can make one even not talk. Singers are always advised to moderate their voice. Upper respiratory infection is possibly caused by screaming and if caution is not taken vocal cords may continue incurring an injury that can result in surgery. Artists should always be encouraged and guided on how to take care of their voices in order to live healthy lives in their occupation. Anatomy is where voice production is categorized into three important parts. The most fundamental category vocal health is the breath that helps in the production of clear voice in all human beings. It is, therefore, important to note that anything that affects lungs or breathing systems might as well affect sound production. Musicians should, therefore, avoid inhaling gases that interfere with their lungs (Santos, Echeveste, & Vidor, 2014). They are there cautioned to stay away from places such as clubs where cigarette are highly inhaled especially before any performance. For pleasant and smooth voice to be produced vocal folds must be healthy. Vocal folds tend to cause vibration in the lungs therefore producing clear voice. Vocal folds are made of three layers namely: - epithelium, superficial lamina propria and the vocal ligament. All these layers work together enabling vibration that then produces smooth sound. Their contraction causes lubrication that determines the pitch of the sound. Singers are therefore advised to visit otolaryngologist regularly for a checkup. For one to emerge as good singer he or she must know the major areas that would help him or her to have a unique voice. Some of these problems with any of this part he or she produces a flat tone as well as hoarse sound. At the same time when they are all in good health, the individual is capable of producing a quality voice that attracts his or her listeners. Vocal physiology is also involved in the production of voice as well as sound. The most crucial part in this part is the larynx that is also referred as the voice box. Physiology has three components that help human beings to produce musical sounds that differ. These components are the vibrator, activator and resonator. They set vibration from the air that is then amplified by resonator to produce sound. In this case lips, act the primary source of vibration that receives pressure from breathing system. Human being’s voice in singing is equivalent to the musical instruments. Singers’ sound requires a generator in the same case as guitars and pianos. In these instruments, force is applied to human beings in order to produce a pleasant and attractive sound. Singers also require such energy to provide a likable voice but in their case force is enhanced by lungs. Drums’ sound can be strengthened and at the same time reduced according to the force that one is applying. The same case that happens to voices of singers although in their Case it depends on the amount of air that one breathes in. In the contemporary society, it cannot take a month or two before we hear about a famous artist has failed to perform due to the vocal problem. In most cases, it is not they take such breaks willingly but voice problems force them. Musicians have a tendency of ignoring vocal health which if not overseen keenly can result in surgeries as well as long periods of rest and recovery as medicated by doctors (Hughes, 2014). It is their responsibilities to seek medical advice from professionals more often. Singers should as well acquire medical checkups before and after performance just like athletes and soccer players. This issue should be demanded if not requested since they view vocal disorder just as a minor problem (Phyland et al. 2013). Singing for more than three hours causes tiredness and eventually exhaustion. Singing continually over a long period causes not only these two factors but also severe throat injuries that may result to lengthy post-surgery. In order for the singer to improve or maintain his or her singing abilities the following are obligatory: - good nutrition, avoiding noisy areas as well as proper voice training (Brumm, & Zollinger, 2013). If all these are adhered to the singer can perform excellently and at the same time maintaining his health. In the first and second decade of the twentieth first century, a good number of artists have been identified with vocal problems. The first case is of a very famous pop singer by the name Adelle who originate from British. She once cancelled several planned tours some of which were in the United States when she had surgery on her vocal cords. Her problem was regarded as hemorrhages. The main causes of this problem include the following: phono trauma, shouting beyond one voice that causes extension of vessels of the vocal fold. To avoid such situations, singers are advised to avoid loud singing as well as forcing themselves while they are tired. For Adelle to recover her voice it almost took her two years to return to the industry. Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, a famous artist, still suffered the same as Adelle. A well-known Dr. Steven M. Zeitels, who is an expert in the field of vocal surgery, is said to have treated the same singers. Singers are also at risk of developing a lamp in their vocal cord. A good example, in this case, is a country musician Keith Urban, who also underwent an operation for the removal of the vocal polyp. The most likely cause of the polyp was suggested to be phono trauma. It took him almost six months before he returned to singing where he was closely monitored by a number of health experts. Lastly, John Mayer, who is a singer, as well as a songwriter, also encountered a major vocal problem. His problem was identified by his manager who said that his voice was not improving even after long resting periods. His problem was more unique than the other discussed artists. In his case, there was a growth at the back of his vocal fold. His problem was named as granuloma. The possible causes were assumed to be irritation from the vocal fold. He was also advised to take some time before resuming his career. As the vocal epidemic increase more adequate measures have also been taken. Fiber optic cameras that are used to scan some of these problems are on the rise (Keidar, & MENGES 2013). Another way that has significantly helped singers is the creation of awareness that is advertised globally. For singers to perform effectively and efficiently, stamina and practice is a must. Energy and perfection usually gained by adhering to doctor’s advice. It can be concluded that heath tips are as necessary as food to the singers. It is noted that singers voices work the same way as musical instruments such as pianos, drums and guitars. They all require force and vibration in order for them to function properly. In case of the instrument, vibration is applied by human beings while in case of voice it is acquired through the air. Three major artists have been identified who once had serious vocal issues. Some of the problems include granuloma and hemorrhages. References Read More