Singin’ Guru – An Xperience Column

Singin’ Guru – An Xperience Column – by Jeff and Crystal Moore.

Dear Singin’ Guru,

I know this sounds weird, but it feels like I’ve got a hair caught in my throat and it’s affecting my singing. It’s very annoying and starting to freak me out. I’m losing sleep over this!
Yours truly,

Hairball

Dear Hairball,

This may be a bit unusual but is totally real; singers can get their hair caught in their throat! Sounds crazy, right? But when you’re belting out those high notes and giving it your all, sometimes a stray hair decides it wants a front-row seat to the action and ends up causing a bit of an unwanted inflammation party in your throat.

Here’s the deal: when you’re singing, your mouth and throat are wide open, working overtime to hit every note just right. This makes it surprisingly easy for things like hair to slip past your defenses and get tangled up where they don’t belong. For younger singers, their throats are like cozy nooks for debris like hair. Why? Because their vocal cords and the folds around them are still developing and can be a tad more susceptible to catching and holding onto unwanted guests. This may be related to younger singers being more likely to get a respiratory virus, which can cause irritation. And if the throat is irritated, it is possible (but unlikely) to have something get caught in one of the nooks and crannies down there.

So if you are in this hairy situation, what do you do? Rush to the doctor, or wait it out? Generally, the body is pretty good at handling these minor invaders on its own, either by coughing them up or moving them along the digestive tract to be, well, naturally disposed of. But if the irritation, coughing, or any discomfort persists, it’s worth checking in with a medical professional.

Lots of wild things have found their way into human throats (OK, no off-color jokes here). From fish bones (a classic) to engagement rings (talk about a proposal gone wrong), the human throat has seen it all. It’s a reminder of how resilient our bodies are, but also how cautious we need to be with what goes in our mouths—even when hitting those high notes!

So, to all the singers out there: keep an eye (or a mouth?) out for those rogue hairs, and remember, your body’s got your back most of the time. But don’t hesitate to seek help if things feel off. After all, your voice is your instrument, and you’ve got to keep that in top shape!

Dear Singin’ Guru,

I’m a singer and my 7-year-old daughter loves to sing, too. I think she’s got some talent that could be developed. Is she too young for singing lessons?
Signed,

Curious Parent

Dear Curious Parent,

Getting your daughter singing lessons could be one of the best decisions you could make for her growth, beyond just hitting the right notes.

First off, picture this: your child, standing tall, belting out tunes with a confidence that makes you proud. That’s not just a dream. Singing lessons can truly boost self-esteem. It’s all about giving them a platform to express themselves, to be heard, and to shine. Imagine the boost in confidence they get when they master a new song or perform in front of an audience.

Now, think about the focus and dedication it takes to learn an instrument or to sing. It’s not just about the music; it’s a workout for their brain. They learn to concentrate, dive deep into a task, and stick with it. This isn’t just the Guru talking; studies back it up. Engaging in music demands attention to detail and a kind of discipline that’s going to pay off in spades, not just in music but in their studies and whatever they set their mind to.

And here’s where it gets even cooler—leadership skills. Whether they’re part of a choir or taking the lead in a performance, they’re learning about teamwork, how to listen, and how to stand out when it’s their time to shine. It’s about taking responsibility, sometimes steering the ship, and working harmoniously with others. Skills that are golden, wouldn’t you agree?

But wait, there’s more—problem-solving. Music is a puzzle, a beautiful, complex puzzle. Figuring out a tricky melody, interpreting the emotions behind a piece, making split-second decisions during a performance—it’s all about thinking on their feet and coming up with creative solutions.

This kind of quick, innovative thinking is something they’ll use everywhere, from tackling math problems to navigating life’s curveballs.

So, to all you parents wondering whether your first or second-grader is ready for singing lessons, the answer is a big “hell yeah,” especially if they’re showing an interest. The world of music education is so much more than learning to sing or play an instrument. It’s about confidence, focus, leadership, problem-solving, and so much more. It’s a journey that shapes them into well-rounded, confident individuals ready to take on the world. And isn’t that exactly what we all want for our kids?
And guess what? Peak Music has a vibrant kids’ singing program. Check it out at http://peakmusicstudios.com/kids-singing.

Contact the Singin’ Guru at jeff@peakmusicstudios.com with your singing questions!

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