Septum Issues / Blocked Nose

Hi,

I have septum issues which leaves my nose pretty much blocked on a permanent basis. I've just completed lesson 2 in the biginner course with Camille and I can't do the MUM section, I'm saying BUM because of my nose (haha).

Is this going to cause issues for me singing?

Are there any tips regarding nasal issues? I've had 2 surgeries to try and correct my septum which hasn't worked. I'm convinced it's an allergy of some sort because sometimes it clears, other times a single nostril clears (either side).

Any help would be great.

Many thanks

James

Hi, James!

I found these articles from otolaryngologists on the subject of surgery for septum issues (and its impact on the voice). 

https://www.ohniww.org/septoplasty-voice-los-angeles/

https://www.csmusic.net/content/articles/nasal-surgery-for-singers/

The short answer is: you may struggle with syllables or exercises using more nasal resonance (like M you mentioned, or anything using an N or NG). But you can modify those to make them more singable for you. Tone-wise, you'll have less nasality in your sound, but that's not necessarily a bad thing! 

I can imagine how frustraing it is, though! Have you explored the allergy issue with your doctor? Most singers (and laryngologists, too) would recommend daily saline sinus rinsing to deal with allergies, postnasal drip, etc: http://shop.neilmed.com/Products/Sinus-Rinse/Sinus-Rinse-Regular-Kit.