How does an opera singer train up and protect their voice?

Question:

How does an opera singer train up and protect their voice?

I'm a regular singer and I'd like to keep my voice and not ruin it for a long time. Any tips?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Drink lots of water to keep you vocal chords hydrated. The water doesn't touch the chords as you swallow, but the better hydrated your body is, the more your chords are hydrated as well.

Do NOT scream, push your voice past its comfortable limits (even in a voice lesson, if your teacher is stretching your range or doing other such work, take it slowly and don't overdo it), or speak a lot in places where you have to raise your voice to be heard (sporting events, loud restaurants, etc.).

If you get sick, especially if it involves a cough or sore throat or nasal drainage, take it easy on the talking and singing. Drink tea with honey and suck on cough drops with any of the following in them: vitamin C, zinc, and/or echinacea.

ALWAYS warm-up before you sing. An Olympic track star wouldn't get to the track and just start sprinting a 100m; he's tear a muscle! It's the same with your voice. You don't want to try for those high notes or start belting it out if your chords aren't ready; you could strain them and be out of commission for weeks.

Get a voice teacher you trust and work with them at least once a week for years and years. You will not believe your progress, especially if you tape/record your lessons. This is really the only way to improve your voice, and you teacher will have additional info. on vocal health.

Break a leg.