We often hear people say that it is normal for adult singers to lose their voices once they reach a certain age. Truth or Myth?
Are you 17?
The body deteriorates fast if you do not eat healthy foods and exercise, and your voice usually follows the same path. It is not a fact that a young adult is healthier than others, it all depends on the lifestyle we choose to lead. I can speak from my personal experience.
I wish I felt 17 when I was 17.
The main reason for the above statement is that at that young age, I was not into sports and I was definitely over-eating unhealthy foods. This not only affected my body and my energy levels, but it also played a role in my personal development. I do not claim being as fit as I should be now, but the fact that I enjoy eating healthy meals while working out and running has changed my life and my energy to a level where I now feel I am finally 17.
It’s all about technic
Working out helps you gain strength and endurance. This allows your muscles to wake up and do what they are supposed to. It’s called re-education. Going to the gym should be seen as a way to teach the body, this is why it is called training.
By practicing and learning the basics of singing, you allow your voice to produce sound the way it is supposed to. And with age, you will still be able to use your skills because you have already developed them. But what if you are looking into starting a new chapter at a mature age? Learning to sing, learning to lift, learning a language, these are a few of my favorite things that we humans can learn anytime!
When you stop practicing…
When you get lazy, your body gets weak and you might start experiencing pain. And when you stop singing, you feel you have lost touch with your voice. Music, just like sports, is all about practice. This procedure should be embedded into your system, and your practicing routine should be maintained throughout your life in order to stay at that same level (or even better). Singing, just like sports, should be part of your lifestyle.
Your car runs on fuel. Forgetting to run the motor for a while will probably result in the car not running from the first try. Energy is meant to be exhausted, not kept within. When I avoid singing for a few days and then decide to warm-up my voice again, it takes a while before feeling it is in place. Why? Because I simply did not run the motor on a daily basis for supreme productivity.
I often hear “I don’t know how you find time to practice singing and go to the gym regularly”. The truth is, I do not have to find the time for my goals, because my time is based on my objectives. Once you have an objective set, and once this routine is part of your lifestyle, there is nothing more to schedule. And there is no need to find time.
The voice is a reflection of your general health
So to answer the question at the beginning of this episode, age has nothing to do with singing abilities. As long as you stay active while leading a healthy lifestyle, you have nothing to fear. The voice is a reflection of your inner being and health…
But of course, if you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or symptoms related to your body or your voice, please consult with your family doctor before jumping to conclusions.
Remember
You can learn new things at any age,
no matter what others tell you
– including singing.
Hi, I’m the Voice Guru, but you can call me John Tracy.
I’ve been teaching voice and music for the past 15 years. With experience in Opera, Jazz and Pop, I share my knowledge and everything related to the Art of Singing in my weekly videos, every Friday, ad free!
This channel is dedicated to all the singers out there, advanced professionals or young achievers seeking answers to issues they encounter throughout their artistic career.
If you’re looking to have a better understanding of the Art of Singing, or wish to get extra tools and tips from a professional singer and voice coach, you’re at the right place!