It's important to take care of your body and voice in order to give the best performance possible - and also to avoid any embarrassing on-stage mishaps. Pre-show rituals and backstage secrets can be an integral part of your performance routine, but it's important to make sure that these rituals are healthy and sustainable.
Here are a few tips for maintaining your physical and vocal health as a performer:
Warm up your muscles and joints before a performance. This can includeretches, drumstick twirls, or playing a few easy scales. Just be sure to avoid any stretches that might make you look like a pretzel, unless you want to confuse your audience.
Stay hydrated. It's important to drink plenty of water before and during a performance to keep your muscles and vocal cords functioning at their best. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate your body and potentially turn you into a sloppy, off-beat mess.
Take care of your instruments. Make sure to tune your guitar and check your drumheads before a performance, and bring extra strings or drumsticks just in case. Pianists should also make sure that their instrument is in good working order and that all of the keys are functioning properly. You don't want to be that person who has to borrow someone else's guitar mid-set because you forgot to restring yours, or who has to deal with a stuck key during a solo.
Practice healthy eating habits. Eating a well-balanced diet can help you maintain your energy levels and overall health. Avoid eating heavy, greasy meals before a performance, as they can make you feel sluggish and potentially cause you to break a drumstick mid-solo (not a good look). Pianists should also be careful about eating foods that can leave residue on their hands, as this can make it harder to play the keys.
Get plenty of rest. Adequate sleep is important for maintaining your energy levels and mental clarity. Make sure to get enough rest the night before a performance to avoid falling asleep on stage or mistaking your guitar for a pillow.
Use specific warm-up techniques for your instrument. Guitarists can do finger stretches or play through easy scales, while drummers can practice rudiments or play along with a metronome. Pianists can warm up their hands with exercises such as scales and arpeggios, while singers can use vocal exercises such as scales and arpeggios to warm up their voice.
Incorporate physical exercise into your routine. Regular exercise can help improve your endurance and coordination, which can be especially helpful for drummers and guitarists. Yoga and other relaxation techniques can also be beneficial for improving your posture and breath control.
Use a humidifier to keep the air in your dressing room or green room moist. Dry air can be harsh on your vocal cords and also make your guitar or drumheads sound dull, so keeping the air around you moist can help prevent these issues. Pianists may also want to consider using a humidifier to help keep their instrument in good shape.
Use herbal remedies or over-the-counter throat lozenges to soothe your vocal cords. These can be especially helpful if you are performing in a dry or polluted environment. Just be sure to consult with a healthcare professional before using any remedies, as some may not be suitable for everyone.
Practice proper posture and technique. Good posture can help you project your voice and improve your technique on your instrument, while proper technique can help you avoid strain and injury. Consider taking lessons or working with a coach to improve your posture and technique.
Take breaks when you need them. It's important to take care of yourself and not overdo it, especially if you have a long tour or series of performances. Make sure to give yourself time to rest and recharge between shows, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you are feeling overwhelmed.
Surround yourself with a supportive team. Having a supportive group of people around you, whether it be other musicians, crew members, or friends and family, can make a big difference in your overall well-being. Make sure to surround yourself with people who lift you up and encourage you to take care of yourself.
Be prepared for any technical issues that might arise. Make sure to bring spare cables, batteries, and other gear that you might need, and have a plan in place in case something goes wrong. This can help you feel more relaxed and focused during your performance.
By following these healthy tips, you can help ensure that you are in top form for your performances. Remember to take care of your body, voice, and instruments, and don't be afraid to ask for help or advice if you are experiencing any issues. With proper care and attention, you can keep your voice and body in top shape for all of your performances - and avoid any embarrassing moments along the way.