Music and drama teachers learn to deal with any student trauma thrown their way. That includes the main vocal soloist or musical lead chugging antibiotics for strep throat, and other students with sore throats.
Students can usually manage to sing with a general cold. It’s the sore throat issue that is tough.
Seeing a doctor is always a good idea, but for the simple sore throat, some people lean toward home remedies.
What can you do at home to get you on stage?
1) Don’t talk or even whisper. Have a pad of paper and write what you want to say. This can be for several days.
2) Get as much sleep as you can.
3) Drink a combination of 1 Tbs. apple cider vinegar, 1 Tbs. honey, and hot water. (If that is too sweet, use half the amount of honey.) Drink this twice a day.
You can also look for various sore throat teas on the market such as Licorice Root Tea at theteaspot.com. Drink lots of fluids.
The above three steps have worked for my students. (My thanks to friend and teacher Linda for #3 suggestion.) One thing is certain: the show does go on.
Please note, although I’ve dealt with vocal issues with students for years as a choral director, this post cannot be “medical advice.” Get well!
