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Of course, there are many rules for looking after your voice. A healthy voice needs a healthy body. Alcohol makes your body tired and clouds your mind. You need good concentration and a good level of fitness both on stage and in the studio – so try to keep fit! On the other hand, you won't find a keep-fit video entitled "Aerobics and Jazz Dance with Joe Cocker" – everything is relative, of course, and there's an exception to every rule. In the end, we are all responsible for ourselves, and if you are a singer, you must be prepared to offer your best performance whenever and wherever it is required, and to give 100 % at all times.

Here are a few tips on looking after your voice:

	Get plenty of sleep
	Pay attention to your breathing, ensure that you have plenty of fresh air and that the air is not too dry. Try to avoid smoke-filled rooms, as your respiratory tract needs to stay healthy. Of course – you can't avoid this if you have to perform in a smoke-filled club! Smoking damages the lungs. The fine hairs in the bronchial tubes which filter out germs and dust get burnt, and nicotine deposits on the vocal folds inhibit their vibration.
	Even if the catering is very generous – don't overeat. Eating light food and drinking enough – but not too much – fluid are better for your voice. Don't drink too much black tea or coffee (they dehydrate) or eat too many cough sweets (they glue up your stomach).
	If you are ill, especially if it involves your respiratory tract, don't let it drag on and get worse. It's better to take a few days off than risk getting chronic bronchitis. Strong medicine is a voice blocker.
	Try to keep mentally fit and relaxed. It's important that you – and your voice – stay active.
	It's equally important that you enjoy singing. Sing often and take pleasure in it – and never sing just for the sake of it.
	As a rule, you should sing for no more than two hours at full power in one go.
	The songs that you sing should be in a register that suits your voice. That often means a tough battle with the band, but it's worth it. Your voice sounds better in its optimum range, and it is better for your voice as well. Intonation is easier. And the songs sound better.
	Avoid Karaoke equipment, pop song producers and hard drugs.
	Listen to good music. The wider your understanding of music, the better. Learn to play an instrument. Work through this vocal workshop and buy a Sennheiser microphone…