FAQ

Sorry, no. Many different voice problems can sound the same, so you can only get a clear diagnosis from an ear-nose-throat doctor who visually examines your voice box (I'm not one). 

For problems you might have with voice technique, I need to see you as well as hear you.

The vocal folds (also called vocal cords) are very sensitive to the body's inner level of hydration or dehydration. The voice gets tired and rough-sounding much more quickly if you are dehydrated. So when you are using your voice, especially for long periods of time or over background noise, sip water constantly, about 8 ounces or 1/4 liter per hour.

What about lemon & honey in my tea when I have a cold? Doesn't that help hoarseness?

The vocal folds are located in the airway, the passageway that goes to your lungs. Anything that you drink goes down "the other pipe," into your stomach. Tea and other hot drinks have many benefits when you're sick, but their effect on the voice is indirect. Lemon and/or honey are a matter of personal taste: no magic either way, and no harm.

What to drink to get your voice healthy, and keep it that way, is discussed at more length in my book.

What's the difference between a voice teacher and a voice or speech therapist?

It's like the difference between a dance teacher or sports coach, and a physical therapist (physiotherapist).

Licensed and certfied speech pathologists (also commonly called speech therapists) have at least a Masters degree in the medical and scientific aspects of communication, and have undergone supervised practice in voice/speech rehabilitation. We are bound by a code of ethics and are legally accountable for the services we provide. Those of us who specialize in the area of voice usually have additional training in voice science and medicine, and in performing arts.

Artistic voice teachers and coaches may have lots of training and/or experience, or they may not. Some arts-teaching organizations have codes of ethics, but there is no formal accountability or quality control. Anyone can call himself a voice teacher.

Ideally, a laryngologist (doctor), a licensed therapist, and an artistic voice professional work together to offer whole-person, coordinated service.