Flint

I am currently a voice major at a small New England college. I was recently diagnosed with vocal nodules - every singer's worst nightmare... I am not supposed to sing for the next 6 weeks or so, but immediately after that (late January), I have my first grad school audition. The nodes probably won't be completely healed by then, and I'm trying to decide whether I should tell the school about my nodes. On the one hand, according to my teachers, they are not easily detectable when I'm singing, and I'd hate to give the school a reason not to accept me if they wouldn't otherwise notice. But, I know I won't be at my best, and I wonder if I should give them some sort of explanation. Any advice on this?

lorelei2702

Actually, if they are not severe, i.e. hardened and/or of long duration, with careful voice therapy and attention to vocal hygiene, they may be gone within six weeks. However, you may not be able to practice the music you need to be able to present for a graduate level audition. Talk to your teacher and voice therapist about what might be possible. Good luck. Lorelei

Alfieism

I've always thought that getting nodes was a sign that you're lacking in proper technique. My suggestion was to take the sign and deal with nodes first and foremost. If you want to make singing your life, than you better make sure they'll be a life for your voice after your college auditions and beyond.

lorelei2702

Lots of different things can trigger nodes, most of them some kind of vocal abuse, but it could be from lots of coughing, throat clearing, etc., from a lingering cold, allergies, etc. The problem is exacerbated when the singer tries to compensate for the vocal cord dysfunction (usually problems getting a clear sound with an easy attack or onset), and bad habits become more and more engrained. So the technique may have been okay prenodes, but it will not be if one keeps trying to function with them.