Dealing With Vocal Tightness

Dealing With Vocal Tightness

The Bowersox Institute Of Music

Vocal tightness is the number one problem among singers.

Professional vocal trainer Steve Bowersox recommends exercises and activities to combat this common obstacle.

1. The yawn exercise

A yawn is much like a stretch after a nap or consistent tedious workout. It stretches the muscles and helps increase the blood flow in areas that have been stagnant too long. Some teachers instruct that you should sing in a yawn position but that puts an undo strain on the muscles, much like walking around in constant stretch. A yawn exercise is good for some relief of tightness, especially if you think about it as fogging a window with warm moist air.

2. Tongue extension exercise

Since our tongues have the habit of moving food to the back of the mouth, when we sing, often times we pull the tongue back as well. When tightness sets in, extend the tongue out of the mouth, beyond the lips and down to the chin. Sing an "AH" and do a 5 tone scale. Make certain that the tongue stays out even on the top notes. The tendency is to pull it back in. It helps to do this in front of a mirror. If this exercise insults your modesty, cover your mouth like you would in a yawn.

3. Additional suggestions

It is always best to rest when you are tense or tired. A gentle massage of the vocal muscles, neck and shoulders may also help. Finally, a cool down stretch or yawn after a long rehearsal is highly recommended.

- Adapted from the Vocal Aerobics Study Guide produced by the Bowersox Institute of Music