If your jaw looks like it’s clamped shut or jutting out when you sing, jaw tension may be an issue for you. But, remember that this is something you can deal with! Especially if you’re a novice singer, jaw tension is often connected to anxiety about singing. Practicing in front of a mirror is a good way to get clear feedback in a low-stress environment. Try doing quick singing exercises, like those described in this section, once per day. This frequency helps you to build new habits without over-using your voice.
Repeat the exercise as many times as you like, adjusting the pitch as desired.
This exercise helps remind you to keep your jaw from sticking out while singing. This is a common sign of jaw tension. Do not draw or push your jaw back so much that it causes pain or discomfort. Try doing this exercise for 10-15 seconds, 2-3 times or more.
“Voicing your breath” helps to isolate and loosen up the muscles in the back of your neck that control your upper jaw. [6] X Expert Source Jonathan StancatoVoice Coach Expert Interview. 31 March 2020.
This will feel awkward at first, and your “ya” and “la” sounds may come out a bit strange. This exercise helps you relax your jaw and utilize your tongue more in forming sounds, though.
Lip-synching doesn’t require the same breath control as singing out loud, so it’s not an exact analogue. After lip-synching for a bit, try shifting to singing out loud in the middle of a song. This will help you to maintain the same relaxed jaw. Have some fun with this! Lip-synching can be a nice break from traditional singing exercises.
Jaw tension is a common problem, even among trained and experienced singers. A good vocal technique instructor should have lots of good advice for dealing with this issue. Together you can figure out what works best for you and really embrace your passion for singing!
Keep your front teeth slightly separated—not quite wide enough to stick your tongue in between—and your lips lightly pressed closed. Rest your tongue against the roof of your mouth, right behind your top front teeth.
Clenching your teeth on a pencil, for example, can be a tough habit to break, but you can do it! Try replacing it with something more jaw-friendly, like squeezing a small stress ball in your hand. If you clench or grind your teeth at night while sleeping, talk to your doctor or dentist about treatment options, which may include a custom mouth guard.
Consuming excessive amounts of caffeine. “Excessive” in this case equates to 6 or more cups of coffee per day. Drinking alcohol, especially if you have more than 1-2 drinks per day. Smoking. Using recreational drugs.
For example, if yoga works well for you as a stress reducer, try doing a quick session before a singing practice or performance. Along with yoga, good stress-busters include meditation, deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization techniques, light exercise, walking in nature, talking to a good friend, and listening to soothing music. The important thing is to find what works best for you!
You can repeat this technique as often as needed throughout the day. Soaking in a warm bath also helps, but it’s tough to soak your cheeks without putting your whole head under water!
Using a custom-fitted mouth guard during the night. Undergoing dental procedures that may reduce jaw discomfort. Taking a muscle relaxant medication. Working with a mental health professional to reduce your stress. Getting tests done to check for other jaw disorders.
Your masseters are not only your jaw’s most powerful muscles, they are, factoring for size, the most powerful muscles in your body.
If you aren’t able to press firmly enough to cause this sensation with your index fingertips, try using 2 fingertips per side, your thumbs, or the middle knuckles of your middle fingers.
Try switching from clockwise to counterclockwise circles (or vice versa) halfway through your massage, if you wish. Do this quick massage before singing practice, before bed, when you wake up, and pretty much anytime your jaw feels tight!
