There is nothing worse than opening your mouth to sing and nothing comes out. This is a problem many singers face, but there are some simple tricks you can use to prevent this from happening to you. Here are my favorite tips for keeping your vocal cords lubricated and ready to sing in perfect pitch.

1. Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water before a performance. It may sound obvious, but many of us don’t drink enough water. If you feel thirsty, chances are you are already dehydrated. Keep a bottle of drink with you and get into the habit of taking a sip regularly. It will become second nature in no time.
2. ginger. Many of my singer friends recommend drinking ginger tea before a performance. When I was learning to sing, I found ginger ale useful. Try them and find which one you prefer. Often, if you’re singing in a club, it’s easy to get ginger ale if nothing else is available.
3. Drink lemon water. Just cut up a whole lemon and place it in a pitcher of water. Some people prefer lemon soda or soda. It can be really refreshing.
4. Avoid very cold drinks and ice. Instead, try warm water or teas. Many singers say that this helps warm up the vocal cords. Obviously this is a personal preference. Try it yourself to see if this helps relax your voice.
5. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages before a performance. They have a tendency to make you feel dehydrated, which is the exact opposite of what you want.
6. Avoid dairy products or anything that produces mucus. You may find that too much of these will make you constantly clear your throat.
7. Stay away from smoky or dry environments. This can cause real strain on the vocal cords. A humidifier can be helpful if possible.

Sometimes it’s hard to avoid a dry throat, especially when nerves are involved. The next step is to work on your confidence. Know that you are awesome and go out there and show off your stuff. Show the world what you’re made of, even if you have a frog in your throat. The more you perform, the easier it becomes.

When you’re learning to sing, it’s best to try a few different things to see what works best for you. I hope these tips help you prevent your throat from getting dry!