Surviving the Season: Protecting Your Voice in Winter

Ah, December. The month of twinkly lights, mulled wine, and a diary that feels like it might burst at the seams. For me, it’s rehearsals to run, concerts to direct, choral programmes to perform, solo gigs to sing, not to mention presenting the odd charity concert thrown in for good measure. For you, it might be the school Christmas show on repeat, endless carol services, parents’ evenings, and of course, teaching your usual classes on top of it all. And for all of us, there is the added whirlwind of Christmas parties, team drinks, family gatherings, late nights, rich food, and maybe even flowing glasses. While audiences are swept up in the festive magic, behind the scenes singers, teachers, and conductors are juggling one of the busiest - and riskiest - times of the year for vocal health. 

So, how do you keep your voice strong and steady when the season seems determined to trip you up? Let’s look at some of the biggest pitfalls, and what you can do to dodge them.

Sleep

Rehearsals that run late, early start times, and the occasional post-concert glass mean sleep is often the first casualty of December. The trouble is that lack of rest doesn’t just make you feel groggy, it impacts vocal stamina, recovery, and general immunity. Vocal recovery mostly happens while you’re asleep, so a tired body equals a tired voice. Prioritise sleep wherever you can. Even if you can’t manage a full eight hours, a short nap or a proper wind-down routine can make all the difference. And yes, that might mean saying no to the post-work drinks once in a while. 

Hydration

It’s easy to forget how many winter habits dehydrate us: the heating cranked to maximum, increased alcohol consumption, even certain cold and flu medications. A dry voice is more vulnerable to strain as your lovely vocal folds need a tonne of moisture to operate without damage. It’s not as a simple as having a gulp and the problem being solved, as any water consumed takes hours to reach your vocal folds.

Start your day by drinking a pint of water before you’ve even left the house and keep sipping water throughout the day for systemic hydration. For topical hydration of the upper airway (nose, throat and pharynx), consider steaming at the end of the day: I love my hot steam inhaler, while other colleagues swear by cold steam (using a vocal mist nebuliser). Sending the upper airway to bed with plenty of moisture creates an ideal environment for maximum recovery.

Food and Festivities

December menus are scrumptious, but not always voice-friendly. Rich food can lead to reflux, which irritates the vocal folds, and late-night feasting can disrupt sleep. You don’t have to skip the Christmas pudding but be mindful. Avoid eating too heavily right before bed and balance indulgence with moderation. If you really struggle with reflux, try sleeping with your head slightly elevated, and consider seeking medical advice. 

Bugs, Colds, and Crowds

Winter means more time indoors with the windows shut, not to mention crowded public spaces, perfect conditions for colds and flu to spread. When you’re fighting a virus, your voice is often the first thing to go. 

Wash your hands often, get fresh air when you can, and don’t underestimate the power of rest. If you do catch something, resist the temptation to push through. Singing on inflamed vocal folds or a medicated throat can do long-term damage. And whatever you do, don’t sing on painkilling throat lozenges, they numb the problem without fixing it.

Overuse

Conductors, teachers, choir leaders are often talking or singing much more than we realise. Just add up all those rehearsals, concerts, services, and social events into the mix, and suddenly your voice has clocked up marathon mileage without any rest days. Build vocal rest into your schedule. Even short pockets of silence (on the commute, after rehearsal, during breaks) help. Warm up before heavy use, and cool down afterwards, think straw phonation, gentle stretches, or whatever routine keeps you grounded. And ask yourself if you really do need to belt out the descant to Hark! The Herald Angels Sing every time… 

Warming Up and Cooling Down

When time is short because every moment seems to be full of rehearsal or performance, your warm up and your cool down are the first things to go from the routine. Then you ask your voice to be at its most athletic and work harder than ever. A daily warm-up prepares your vocal folds for the demands ahead, boosting flexibility, stamina, and tone, while a cool-down helps release tension, reduce swelling, and reset the voice for recovery. Just a few minutes at the start and end of the day can mean the difference between sailing through the season with strength and ease or struggling with fatigue and strain.

My Final Thoughts

What’s that saying? It’s a marathon, not sprint! Think like an athlete. Your voice is your instrument and your livelihood, and the festive season is a long-distance race, not the 100m dash. With a little awareness and some smart choices, you have a greater chance of sailing through December singing with the choirs of angels, rather than bleating with the flocks of sheep!

Charles MacDougall is an ABRSM Voices Consultant, award-winning tenor, choral director, vocal coach, and music education specialist, known equally for his singing and his transformative work with choirs, singers and teachers.