I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite products, books, sites, and gadgets that can help expand your knowledge of the voice as well as help you maintain a healthy vocal lifestyle.
With any of these products, it’s important that you try them out for yourself before using them in a performance or audition. Everyone responds to products differently and you don’t want any surprises when faced with an important vocal event.
Check out my Instagram to see many of these items explained in my story highlights.
Singing online
Now that folks have embraced online lessons, I wanted to create a list of some things that make online lessons run smoothly. None of these things are required for an online lesson, so don't let not having these things deter you from booking a lesson. These are simply items you can invest in to improve the quality of your sound and internet connection.
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Ethernet Cable
The most important thing about online lessons is plugging into an ethernet cable. Even the fastest wifi will be slower and less reliable than using an ethernet cable.
I have this one and love it. It's flat so it goes under doors and furniture easily. It also comes in all sorts of lengths so you can find one that is long enough to reach from your router to your lesson space. If you don't have an ethernet port in your laptop (and you probably don't if your computer is relatively new), you'll need to get an adaptor that fits your computers as well.
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Open Back Headphones
If you want to wear headphones during your lesson, I love wired, open back headphones. Open back headphones are the opposite of noise cancelling. They allow you to hear yourself in the room without obstruction, which is a huge advantage when singing. It helps your from pushing while wearing headphones. Having wired headphones has less lag than using bluetooth headphones.
You'll find open back headphones at all sorts of price points, but these are one of the more affordable pairs out there. I have them and love them. I did have to adjust to what they sounded like, but once I did, there was no turning back!
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USB Microphone
If you're looking to plug a microphone directly into your computer, the Blue Yeti is a great option. It’s not a complicated microphone to work, and it is a great quality for the price point.
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USB Microphone
This USB microphone is small, portable, and clips directly onto your laptop. It’s great when you need a microphone on the go.
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Scarlett Bundle
The bundle comes with an audio interface, a mic, a mic cable, and headphones. If you're looking for the entire audio package, consider this bundle. This microphone won't plug into your computer, but will need the interface to connect to your computer. This interface will take two devices, so you can plug in a microphone and a keyboard, which is really helpful when you're teaching online.
Warming up
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Belt Box
The Belt Box makes warming up in NYC apartments on in a crowded audition room a piece of cake. I recommend practicing with the Belt Box to get used to the sensation of the sound being muffled. You want to make sure that you aren’t holding back or compensating when using the device.
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Voice Straw
I love this straw and cup combo that was created by my good friend, and fellow voice nerd, Mindy Pack. The straws that she created are stainless steel, reusable, AND they come in two sizes–regular straw and TINY STRAW! Anyone who's had a lesson with me knows that I love a tiny straw, so finding a reusable tiny straw is a dream come true! This product goes even further than typical straw phonation and brings in a cup that you can attach to the straw and put over your mouth, which allows you to sing words while still getting the benefit of the straw. It's almost like a combo belt box and straw. Use code FLYNNIE for a discount!
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Oovo Straw Neckace
I love my Oovo straw necklace! It allows for constant straw phonation, which is particularly handy for traveling, warming up on the go, or even when you're under the weather and want to be gentle on your voice. I also love that this straw has a small diameter, recreating the same back pressure that we get when using a smaller cocktail or coffee straw.
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Reusable Straws
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love straw phonation. I love using both big and small straw with and without water. I love these silicon straws because they are reusable AND you can squeeze the straw to change the diameter, thus creating a smaller, coffee sized straw without needing to have one.
Lozenges & sprays
Remember that nothing you eat or drink touches your vocal folds so no lozenge, spray, or beverage will directly impact your voice or make a hoarse voice miraculously better. These items are more geared towards relieving dryness and helping to soothe the pharynx when it’s irritated. Also, never try these products for the first time at an audition or performance. You want to know how your body reacts before relying on them during an important vocal event. If you have a hoarse voice that has persisted for more than 10 days, you should seek medical help from a doctor, preferably a laryngologist.
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Fontus Lozenges
These lozenges are delicious and great for easing a sore throat as well as adding moisture to a dry mouth or throat.
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Luden's Glycerin Lozenges
These glycerin lozenges from Luden's are an affordable alternative to both Fontus and Grether’s. The ingredients aren't as natural (they use pectin instead of Manuka honey or glycerin, which can cause drying if you overuse), but for many people, these are a more economical and easy to find option. There are other flavors in addition to the green apple listed here.
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Grether's Pastilles
These are a mainstay for many professional singers. They soothe the pharynx and can help with dryness. They make a few flavors, but black currant is my favorite. They also come in both larger 16.5 oz containers and smaller 3.75 oz containers, and even sell them in bags now instead of in their signature gold tin.
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Wedderspoon's Manuka Honey Ginger Lozenges
These are delicious and have Manuka honey, which has antibacterial properties in addition to soothing a dry, scratchy throat. They also make other flavors besides ginger.
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Ginger Crystals
These packets are filled with yummy delicious crystalized ginger and honey that dissolves in hot water to make a soothing drink. This feels great on a dry, scratchy throat.
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Entertainer's Secret
This is a glycerin spray that can help relieve dry mouth. It doesn’t impact your vocal folds directly, but it can help when you feel overly dry in your mouth or throat.
Hydration & Humidification
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Cordless MyPurMist
This is the fan favorite of all the steamers and nebulizers out there. It creates a mist, not steam, which has finer particles that penetrated deeper into your sinuses and airway. Be sure and ONLY use distilled water with this steamer. You can purchase water pods from the company or can maneuver a hack with distilled water in a very small bottle with the same size spout as the pods. You can also purchase a pouch that allows you to steam hands free.
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Classic MyPurMist
This is the original version of the MyPurMist. It has a cord, but doesn't need the water pods and is cheaper. It also has a pouch for purchase for hands-free steaming.
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My Vocal Mist
If you're looking for a smaller, or more affordable way to steam, I recommend this portable, handheld nebulizer. Like the MyPurMist, this small nebulizer uses mist, not steam, which is more effective than the steamer you might find at your drug store. This nebulizer is also equipped to handle saline solution in addition to bottled water. See below for a saline recommendation! For some, steaming with saline feels more effective, so this is a great solution for those that don't feel that steaming with water does the trick.
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Miro Humidifier
This humidifier is a pricier humidifier, BUT it is the cleanest humidifier out there. Every single piece breaks apart so that you can clean it entirely. If you worry about germs or mold, or if you are hesitant to use your humidifier because of having to clean it, this is the humidifier for you. It's 100% cleanable unlike most other humidifiers. It isn't as aggressive with steam output, so keep it close to your bed when sleeping, but rest assured that you will be breathing in mold-free air. The humidifier may be pricier, but if you use the code AMANDAFLYNNIE you get 10% off your purchase.
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Pure Guardian Humidifer
While the Miro is my favorite humidifier, this brand makes a variety of sizes and both cool and warm mist humidifiers at a great price point. The tanks are treated to stay mildew-free, which makes for easier cleaning, and many of their models offer both warm and cool mist. They have MANY different models available for different sized rooms as well as different budgets. If you're looking a humidifier for an affordable price, this is the way to go. They will eventually have to be replaced because of water build up, but you should get a solid year or two of frequent use before needing to replace.
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Hygrometer
Want to know if your humidifier is working? Get a hygrometer! It measures the humidity in the air so you can always know how much moisture you have anywhere you go. These are great on bedside tables, in dressing rooms, and in any space where you teach or sing.
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Hydroflask
Nothing beats drinking water when it comes to staying hydrated, so having a good water bottle is essential. There are TONS of amazing water bottles on the market, but I love my Hydroflask. It keeps my water ice cold all day and even keeps my ice frozen.
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Hidrate Spark Pro
I'm really excited about this product! My clients who have trouble drinking enough water love this bottle because it glows to remind them to drink. It also syncs with their phone so they can know exactly how much water they drank in a day. This new version is steel and more durable than the older model.
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MyHy Electrolyte Supplement
Did you know that we sweat on average about 1.5 gallons of water a day? Once you add in exercise, dance class, or performing in a show under stage lights, that number increases. Replenishing with water is great, but it’s only half the story. Electrolyte supplements help replenish everything your body loses when it sweats, which not only improves physical performance, but also helps in recovery time. I’ve tried many electrolyte products, but this is my favorite. Disclaimer: my brother created this product (we LOVE hydration in the Flynn household), but it’s really, really good. I’m a proud sis.
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
In addition to the Mypurmist, a great water bottle, and your electrolyte supplements, here are some great additions to add to your carry on when you travel.
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Humidiflyer
One of the most brilliant inventions for voice users when they fly is the humidiflyer. You wear this mask while you fly and you breathe in moistened air instead of the dry air that planes are notorious for. This is a pricier gadget, but essential for the frequent flier.
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Travel humidifer
Travel humidifiers are essential for touring and travel. They allow you to use a small water bottle as the water tank and are portable enough to be stashed anywhere in a carry on or checked bag. These small humidifiers also work great as a personal humidifier at a dressing station backstage.
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Saline Spray
This saline spray can be used in your nose to help alleviate dryness. It can also be used as saline in your ultrasonic nebulizer (not the MyPurMist)!!
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Ayr Saline Nasal Gel
This gel goes into your nose and helps keep you from getting too dry and irritated. This is great when you fly or when you have a cold, allergies, or sinus infection.
Voice and Body-Related Gadgets
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Mini Neck Massager
This massager has been excellent for helping release tension. It can be used for neck, back, jaw, and even tongue tension. I recommend using it before you begin your warm up to help relieve muscle tension.
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Therabands
Therabands can be used in multiple ways to help your voice and body. They are good for providing resistance with any stretches or movements that you do. Consider investing in a set so you have them to use while warming up your body and voice.
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Resistance Bands
These resistance bands are similar to therabands, but offer a different level of resistance and are connected in a circle instead of a straight band.
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Fitness Ball
I use this ball in the studio when folks need to work on ribcage and back engagement, as well as general anchoring in the body.
Books
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So You Want to Sing Musical Theatre, Updated and Expanded Edition
I can’t recommend books without recommending my own! If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of musical theatre singing, this book is for you! It’s ideal for both singers and teachers and takes a look at numerous topics like musical theatre history, musical genres, pedagogy, repertoire, the body, working with kids, acting, and auditioning.
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A Systematic Approach To Voice
This is one of my favorite books about voice teaching! Dr. Ragan takes scientific concepts and makes them feel approachable and tangible. The exercises are clear and easy to put into practice immediately. This is a must read for any voice teacher out there!
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The Vocal Athlete
This book is pretty in depth and technical, but provides great research about vocal health, function, and training for today’s singer. It's a great resource for the voice teacher working with musical theatre or CCM singers. The second edition cites my belting research, so I'm partial to the second edition :)
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The Vocal Athlete Workbook
This is the workbook that accompanies The Vocal Athlete book. This workbook is filled with exercises you can use with yourself or your students.
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The Musician's Mind
The Musician’s Mind takes a look at how we learn and how that impacts music and singing. This book is an essential book for all singers and teachers of any music discipline.
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Queering Vocal Pedagogy
This book takes a look at more gender diverse ways we can approach voice instruction. Another must read for anyone looking to bring more gender inclusive practices to their work.
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Culturally Responsive Teaching in Music Education
This book is designed for classroom music educators, but is a great resources for applied studio instructors who are looking to examine their privilege and how that impacts music learning (and shouldn’t we all want to do that?)
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The Body Keeps the Score
This is one of my favorite books I’ve ever read. It’s vocal pedagogy adjacent and a truly worthy read for any teacher or performer out there.
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Your Voice: An Inside View
This book offers a great start into understanding anatomy, physiology, acoustics, resonance, and vocal health. There is also a digital component with interactive pictures and audio samples. This is the book I use in my vocal pedagogy class, so if you're looking to sign up, you can get a head start by reading this book.
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Singing for Dummies
Dr. Pam Phillips is an excellent teacher that I’ve had the privilege of working with in the past. If you’re looking for a book that covers many singing topics, this book is for you. She has simple explanations that make pedagogy accessible for everyone.
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The Inner Game of Tennis
This is one of my favorite books about mental preparedness. If you are a student in training or if you struggle with the mental side of peak performance, this book is for you. In fact, I think everyone should read it! It’s that good (and it’s short!)
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Performance Success
This book is designed to help you succeed in peak performance. If you struggle with performance anxiety or nerves, this book helps you learn how to handle the stress of performing. The centering down process is especially useful.
SWAG
Want to look fierce out on the town? Look no further!
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Vocal Rest Pin
Want to let folks know that you’re on vocal rest and not able to chat? This button gets the job done! Perfect for stage doors or between shows when you need to take a vocal nap.
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Geared Up by FYA
Check out these amazing items from Geared Up by FYA! I have the Vocal Napping shirt and love it!
Voice Studio Resources
Are you a voice teacher looking for resources to help build your studio? Look no further!
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M-Power Studio
Maggie is the greatest at helping you build your brand and keep your studio organized. Maggie is responsible for this website and for keeping my studio up and running on a daily basis. Check out all of the amazing services she offers.
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Red Scandal Graphics
Stephanie created my incredible logos and can help you create individual, unique branding for your studio.
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Amanda Flynn Voice Courses
Join me over at Thinkific for my self-paced online courses.
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Voice Foundation Handout
Handout for the Voice Foundation 2023 Workshop.