Ever wonder what your face does when you sing? How does one feel and correct facial expressions that are caused by singing?
The voice is very fragile because it is connected to everything else in your body. So by straining your facial muscles, you indirectly affect your voice as well. Ideally, when you sing, it is important not to tense the muscles of your face. The face is active and present, but this does not mean you have to force or allow the pushing syndrome to get into place when you sing.
It is easy to allow tension to settle, and it’s normal.
You now have to learn how to release this tension.
Massage
Massaging the face a few times a week is very helpful and its results are instant. You will feel reborn and the facial pressure disappears very fast. Bit by bit, you will notice a change when you sing, and of course, you will look radiant and rested. Coconut oil or your daily moisturizer will do the trick. Apply your cream/oil, and massage your face for a few minutes. You can also find numerous videos on Youtube regarding facial massage.
OBSERVE
Observe yourself when you sing. Either sing in front of a mirror or film yourself. With time, you will correct the unnecessary movements that you do when you sing, and instead, you will be able to focus entirely on your voice.
Eyebrows
This is one of the first places where tension becomes apparent. Instead, try to let go of the eyebrows and forehead and let your inner face to lift on its own (inner smile). A good way to release the eyebrows is to imagine the sound coming from your head and focus on that point. Miraculously, you will see how your face and voice change instantly.
Cheeks
We do not control them, but we let them lift for themselves. They are resonators and forcing them to lift or to bulge is not necessary. Remember that your inner smile will help you release vocal tension as well, so allow the body to do what it feels like doing.
Jaw
The opening of the jaw is done from the bone structure in order for it to help in the “open throat” phenomenon. Everything should be easy and flexible. A good way to release the jaw tension is to run some exercises where you move your jaw up and down, then left to right (more details in the video above). Focus on what you are doing, and always run this in front of a mirror.
You may also practice this exercise:
Lips
The lips are never really active, otherwise it is called “mouth singing” and the sound will direct itself to your lips. Keep the lips rather round/inactive by avoiding the corners to open/smile when you sing. The corners of the lips are like barriers and they will help the sound to stay focused.
Chin
The chin is connected to the tongue and if tensed, the voice and throat will be as well. Place your thumb at the muscle right below your chin and feel how it tenses when you sing. Ideally, this muscle should remain flexible and spongy at all times. One good way to master this is to run some vocal warm-ups while keeping your thumb placed at the muscle below the chin while trying to maintain it flexible.
Tongue
Do not focus on the tongue, but work on finding each vowel’s place in your voice. Run some a-i-o vowels, all connected (legato) and figure out each vowel’s position in your voice. You will notice how the tongue moves positions from the back in order to place those sounds. Bit by bit, the brain will understand the message and will collaborate in muscle memory.
Neck
A forward neck posture will only break the alignment and balance with the air support. Your neck should be in its natural position, and your head should be straight while avoiding unnecessary bending. Imagine that you have a line in the middle of your body, and that nothing should bend this line.
You are what you speak
The way you speak tells a lot about your singing voice. If you apply pressure when you speak, you will definitely do the same when you sing. So again, practice your speaking voice in front of a mirror and erase unnecessary movements in your face when you do so. Speaking and singing should be done in the easiest way possible without altering the body’s paradigm, and without pain.
Other Suggested Lessons HERE
Hi, I’m the Voice Guru, but you can call me John Tracy.
I’ve been teaching voice and music for the past 15 years. With experience in Opera, Jazz and Pop, I share my knowledge and everything related to the Art of Singing in my weekly videos, every Friday, ad free!
This channel is dedicated to all the singers out there, advanced professionals or young achievers seeking answers to issues they encounter throughout their artistic career.
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