There’s an epidemic in the music industry right now. Three major stars are all having throat surgery within weeks of each other. Adele had surgery last Thursday to stop a vocal hemorrhage  – a recurring problem for her that finally cancelled her world tour. Keith Urban just announced he will undergo throat surgery to remove a polyp growing on his vocal cords followed by extended vocal rest.  John Mayer also had surgery recently to remove [...]

Ever wonder why stars get vocal problems? Why they lose their voices after years of being in the business? So do I. It doesn’t have to happen. But what does it take to avoid vocal problems and maintain vocal health? So many are still unaware that there’s another way. Wouldn’t you think they’d  consult the best in the business to keep their voices at their peak? Yeah, me too. And sometimes, even if they do, [...]

Lately in the news, popping up here and there, I’m noticing canceled concerts due to “cold and chest infection” and singers on vocal rest recovering from nodules. This posted on Adele’s site this past week: “WOLVERHAMPTON WOVERSHOWS POSTPONED – It is with regret that due to continuing problems with a serious cold and chest infection, Adele has to postpone her shows this weekend in Wolverhampton on Saturday Sept 10th and Sunday Sept 11th. Her doctors [...]

As one of the top vocal coaches in the country, I frequently hear: “What are your top vocal tips for singers?” Well, I could rattle off a long list, and yammer on for hours. (Yeah, I’m a nerd when it comes to vocals…) And I have a long list of favorite tricks up my sleeve over 20+ years of coaching singers…. But I love a challenge – so I pretended that I had only 5 [...]

No matter how accomplished I get at my craft as a singer and artist (that’s me in the photo), I always get a tad bit nervous. My jitters come and go, but anytime pressure mounts, there I am with my heart pounding out of my chest and cottonmouth (ok, a little exaggerated). Whenever I tell people that, they look at me in disbelief – why would I, the professional, get nervous? My response is always: [...]

Singers want to sound good when they sing live. Whether you’re aiming to be a rockstar or diva, or just want to sound better, did you know that with just a few tweaks, you can make significant changes. Here are my singing lesson secrets that I’ve found to make a huge difference for singers when they step on a stage. For each of you, depending on your vocal goals, one or more of these may be your key to transforming your live vocals.

The following suggestions will assist you in healing more quickly and staying healthy. VITAMIN C ~ Please use only Ester vitamin C and use it only when you need it as it can contribute to or cause acid reflux, a more serious problem afflicting singers. ESTER VITAMIN C: Take 1000 to 3000 milligrams of Vitamin C from the first sign of tickle in your throat until you are clear of symptoms.(Use only 1000 milligrams if [...]

The Singers Gig Bag by Cari Cole
You’re out the door to your gig but you forgot to think about what stuff to bring for your voice? I’ve done it a ton of times. So I thought I’d share with you my very own list of “must-haves” I’ve found over the years that make that last minute difference! Every guitarist has a “gig-bag” – and now, so do Singers! Here’s a great list of products to help out with the last minute dry throat and phlegm monsters.Keep this stuff stocked and ready to go:

How to stay healthy is at the forefront of every professional singer’s career. Nothing is more uncomfortable than having to perform when you are not feeling well. Unlike when a guitarist replaces a string that breaks, a vocal cord cannot be replaced. Vocal health and care is a prevention that keeps your voice from breaking down. As a singer, there will be times when you will get snagged by colds or flu’s or struggle from [...]

A Healthy diet is the cornerstone to great vitality and health. If you want to improve your performance and your general vocal strength and agility, then what you put in your body will either nurture or defeat your purpose. Here are some specifics and I’ll continue with this list next week. No Alcohol:  Alcohol will dry your voice and body. Dry vocal cords are like singing with sandpaper in your throat. High notes will disappear [...]