{"id":1914,"date":"2022-09-13T17:14:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-13T16:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lastminutemusicians.com\/how_to_get_gigs\/?p=1914"},"modified":"2026-04-11T08:47:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T07:47:22","slug":"alcohol-and-singing-what-to-drink-and-what-to-avoid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminutemusicians.com\/how_to_get_gigs\/alcohol-and-singing-what-to-drink-and-what-to-avoid\/","title":{"rendered":"Alcohol and singing: what to drink and what to avoid"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Last updated: April 2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the mythical days of Rock N’ Roll excess may be largely behind us, many musicians still enjoy a drink before or after playing a show. While this may be fine for those without singing (or driving!) duties, those who provide vocals<\/a> must consider the effect alcohol will have on their performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"register\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Singers rely on their vocal cords (sometimes also known as vocal folds) to create a beautiful sound. To preserve a singer’s voice and ensure its clarity, many foods, drinks, and bad habits (such as smoking) should be avoided \u2013 alcohol is definitely a factor to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Folds of membranous tissue which project inwards from the sides of the larynx to form a slit across the glottis in the throat, and whose edges vibrate in the airstream to produce the voice.<\/p>Oxford Languages definition of vocal cords<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\"booze\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Alcohol facts: “57 per cent of adults reported drinking alcohol in the previous week in 2016 which is a fall from 64 per cent in 2006. This equates to 25.3 million adults in England” \u2013 Gov.UK<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Does alcohol affect singing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes \u2013 alcohol does affect singing and your vocal cords. A study by Binghamton University<\/a> into alcohol’s acute effect on vocal range had six key findings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Lowered availability of NADH that is used in synthesis reactions throughout the body.<\/li>
  2. Increased membrane disordering in membranes and tissues that alter the environment of many important enzymes that have specific situational work conditions.<\/li>
  3. Decreased breath support due to decreased breathing rate and heart rate.<\/li>
  4. Decreased ease of stretching the vibratory subsystem.<\/li>
  5. Dehydration of the vocal subsystems due to diuretic properties.<\/li>
  6. Behavior is altered, affecting the decisions regarding smart vocal health. Misuse and overuse of the voice.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \"how<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The NHS<\/a> also list several long-term health risks that are associated with alcohol misuse, including high blood pressure, stroke, pancreatitis, liver disease, liver cancer and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Despite the dangers, musicians (and indeed, much of society) continue to enjoy a drink or two. Research by the Office of National Statistics shows that in 2011 64 per cent of men drank more than 20 units of alcohol per week, and 63 per cent of women drank more than 10 units weekly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There were 339 thousand estimated admissions related to alcohol consumption in 2015\/16. This is 3 per cent higher than 2014\/15 and 22 per cent higher than 2005\/06.<\/p>Gov.UK<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    Is alcohol bad for your vocal cords?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Alcohol is bad for vocal cords in several ways. Because alcohol is a diuretic, it dehydrates the body \u2013 and dehydration directly affects the vocal folds, making them less flexible and more prone to strain. Alcohol also relaxes the muscles around the larynx, reducing the precision and control singers need. For vocalists, this means less reliable pitch, reduced range, and increased risk of damaging the voice through overuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Alcohol and opportunity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Something that often gets missed in the discussion of drinking and singing is the possible detriment alcohol can have on your career, through missed or inadequately exploited opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Celebrating the end of a long run of shows is one thing, but a really bad hangover can often leave you feeling rough for a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is something to think about, given the fact that all musicians should want to maximise their ability to capitalise on any opportunity presented, no matter how last-minute the phone call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Musicians’ Union has advice<\/a> for staying healthy on the road, including advice on avoiding the temptation of excess and getting proper nutrition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What should singers drink? Best drinks for vocal health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The page title promises to cover what to drink as well as what to avoid, so here’s a quick guide to the best drinks for singers<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n