If you are a singer, you have probably heard of the dreaded vocal nodules that can develop on your vocal chords. If you aren't a singer, then you've probably only heard of nodes because of the movie "Pitch Perfect".

Yep, they are a real thing, and I've had them. The definition of a vocal nodule is "small...beadlike enlargements on the vocal chords caused by overuse or abuse of the voice". Basically, nodules are like callouses on the vocal chords. These nodules cause changes in the voice which makes it harder to sing and talk. The quality of the voice is unpredictable and sometimes it is impossible to sing and talk.

My journey with vocal nodules was a long and hard one. I struggled with my voice issue for over a year. One day I would wake up fine, but the next day I wouldn't be able to sing at all. I would strain my voice when I tried to sing or talk like I normally would have before. This was devastating for me. Music is my life, and I had to go nearly three months without singing. Thankfully, I was fortunate enough to be able to attend voice therapy throughout my whole summer before college. I cast my fears upon The Lord and after months and months of praying and therapy, he healed me.

Although I am no expert, I want singers to know five tips I have for preventing the development of vocal nodules before it's too late.

1. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS warm up before you begin singing.

I cannot even begin to stress how important this is for proper singing. If you don't warm up and prepare your voice for more intense vocal use then strain is almost guaranteed to happen. I know it's hard and it's not always considered "cool" to have to pause and warm your voice up. But trust me, you'll thank me (or your choir director) later. A cool down after you're done singing is a great idea as well.

2. Avoid using your voice strenuously at all costs.

Singing in the car at the top of your lungs with your best friend or alone in your car can be really fun and tempting but seriously damaging to your voice. Singing loudly with the choir kids on the bus and shouting at a football game may seem appealing to you too. Although these activities may be fun, it is necessary to avoid situations like this if you are a singer. I know that seems like something hard to stop doing but your vocal chords will thank you later on in life. I've been loud my entire life, but if I could take back every situation similar to those I've stated above, especially shouting, then I would. No moment of fun is worth permanently damaging your instrument.

3. Make sure you are using enough breath support and have enough airflow going to your vocal chords.

This was one of my biggest issues and can be a little tough to grasp at first. Without the proper amount of airflow, the vocal chords will touch harder and almost smack together, thus creating strain, swelling, and possibly nodules in the places that the vocal chords touch most often.

4. Avoid singing loudly if you aren't sure how to do it properly.

I know that we've all been in the moment when the only thing that matters on that piece of sheet music is a double forte that you've been dying to hit. Although you may be able to sing that note as loud as you possibly can, don't do it unless you truly know how to properly sing at a high volume.

5. Drink lots and lots of water.

We get tired of hearing that we should drink water all the time, but it is essential for a singer's vocal health. Dehydrated vocal chords can make the vocal chords hit one another very harshly and create swelling and bumps in the areas of contact. This can also contribute to the creation of vocal nodules.

I learned some valuable lessons from my bout with vocal nodules. I learned great techniques to help keep my vocal chords healthy so I can become the best singer I can be. I hope that one day I can connect with one of my students who is experiencing the pain that I went through. I want to be able to help them cope and let them know that they are not alone. Everything happens for a reason. I also learned to fully trust in God. I know that I worry way too much, but God showed me through this challenge that with my effort as well, he can fix anything as long as I believe in him. He will grant you the desires of your heart as long as you stay faithful, love him, and fully trust in him. Now I am back to singing praises to God in the house of The Lord, and I am so blessed to be back on the right track.