As someone who studies Myofunctional Therapy (proper functioning of the tongue) and sings, you are very intelligent on this topic and gave a great deal of healthy tongue information for singers. Great job!
I've listened to allot of informational videos covering an array of different topics here on the tube however, I feel your explanation on a topic is the best yet. You are so knowledgeable in this field and explained things clearly and concisely. Thumbs up and is an honor to subscribe to your page. Thank you!
And here I was thinking that I HAD found the root of the problem when I noticed I've got so much tongue tension. But now I still have to figure out what's causing that! And no, not a single singing teacher has addressed this problem in their lessons (I've had many teachers). Seriously frustrating! Thank you for the useful video!
Earlier on in my singing career I notice I had a tougue tension issue but I had no idea there was a reset. I actually never even told my vocal teacher thinking it was a internal issue I was facing on my own.
I love the way you explain things! Your lessons are so clear and easy to follow. I have a question about jaw/teeth alignment: have you had students who have had orthodontic or surgical treatment for an anterior open bite (where the back teeth meet while front teeth don’t meet)? And did it have a big impact on their singing? I just started the process of addressing my jaw/bite alignment with physio but I feel like the structure of my jaws means that my tongue never has enough space and I can never open wide enough at the back of my mouth :(
I have not ever worked with anyone with that specific malocclusion. (I've worked with under bites and tongue thrust, and singers with various speech issues.) I'm guessing that the biggest issue with the anterior open bite is related to articulation, and thus managing lyrics and resonance. Also, if you're a mouth breather, then you'll probably experience more dryness. Keep working with your orthodontist and other healthcare providers. Tackle the problem from multiple directions and you'll probably find that, over time, you'll see improvement in several areas, including your singing. (I found this interesting article: sleepandtmjtherapy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/How-Voice-Exercises-Can-Assist-in-Orthodontic-Treatment.pdf I'm not sure that directly addresses anterior open bite, but it's very insightful.) Please keep me posted on your progress.
Very awesome video! But wished you talked more about the NG home position. One other exercise I've learned to stretch the tongue is to stick it out as far as you can, 'bite down' with lips, and then swallow without the tongue going back. What is your opinion on the 'up tongue tip'? So called 'compressed tongue'.
There's only so much time! There are so many different stretches for the tongue and ways to deactivate the swallow reflex that I can't possibly list or demonstrate them all... unless I make my videos 30 minutes long. (I'm planning a video on deactivating the swallow reflex, too! I'll possibly include it in my 'open throat' video. I'm not sure yet, though.) I do have a video on how to properly sing the NG. So many singers get it wrong, and so they don't benefit fully from it. This is still a new channel, and I have lots of ideas for it and vocal topics to discuss in the upcoming months. As for the 'compressed tongue' or the 'up tongue tip,' I'm not sure that I have an opinion on it except that it's not a posture that the tongue tip can assume during the production of vowels (from which we obtain the majority of our resonance).
Heh yea, s0o0o many things to think about in practice...almost makes singing 'un-fun', initially. Posture, breathe low, breathe larynx down, body resistance at sternum/lower back, tongue wide out of the throat, tongue tip flip to pronounce, raised soft pallet, jaw relaxed down and back, lips 'oh' shaped, on-set of sound, articulation...think that's it... :-/ What would u say is the foundation of singing? Breath support?? Like fuel for a car?
We build the foundation one principle, coordination, skill, etc. at a time so that it's no so overwhelming. I would actually say that the foundation of singing begins with body alignment. If the body is not properly aligned, the ribcage can't expand properly (including sternum elevation) and the diaphragm can't lover fully and the singer can't hope to get a good breath or manage the breath efficiently or effectively. The shape of the resonator tract is also altered and the larynx becomes improperly suspended when the cervical spine and head are not aligned with each other and the rest of the spine. And the muscles of the entire body (including those of the articulators) become preoccupied with having to make compensatory adjustments to make up for where the proper muscles are not doing their jobs. It becomes a snowball or domino effect. Correct/optimal body alignment (posture) ensures that everything is in place - primed and ready to go - for efficient breathing, phonation and resonation.
Thanks a lot, this is great! I have been singing with a bad support and tongue tension for the past 5 years. My teacher says these two things are related and also that since I've been learning classical style, I have been taught to tense the tongue in order to achive a low larynx. Now that I know about this problem, I feel kinda lost because It's really hard for me to drop the tension even though it has gotten better because of these excercises. How long can it take to release all this tension and learn to sing in a more free way? For how much time should I do this kind of excercises and how can I unlearn a wrong singing techinque? I know it takes time but I'm really frustrated becuase this have been a problem for me since I started singing.
Sorry to hear that you're frustrated. How long it takes to eliminate tongue root tension and the habit of using the tongue root tension to stabilize the larynx depends on how deeply entrenched in your technique they are (e.g., how long you've been singing that way and the degree/amount of tension). It also depends on awareness, including kinaesthesia (e.g., whether or not you're aware of the sensations of tension). It will require you to learn a whole new way of approaching the passaggio, and the tongue root is going to want to resist change. It needs to be retrained. Every time you catch it behaving badly, correct it immediately. I have a few other videos containing different exercises for tongue root tension. I'm heading to bed right now, but if you can't find them on my channel, let me know and I'll send you the links.
I love how thorough your explanations are :) I have a question. My tongue is tense almost every minute of every day. I don't even have to speak for it to become tense...then when i do start speaking, or worse, try to do vocal exercises, it really really bothers me. I've tried so many vocal exercises for this, but nothing seems to work. Also, i'm going to be in two choirs this school year, but i'm very discouraged because of this terrible tension. It's coming up soon and I'm at such a loss. Is there anything else i can do?
I can completely empathize with you! I hold so much tension in my tongue throughout the day, especially while 'at rest.' (The tension at the base of my tongue over the past few years has even resulted in changes in the shape of my submandibular area.) For me, simply becoming more conscious of my tongue tension has helped. As soon as I notice it, I do some tongue stretches, place my tongue in a better position as I speak and sing the individual phonemes, and release whatever tensions I can by using the minimal amount of tension. But, truthfully, that has taken a lot of work - a lot of conscious effort to slowly retrain my tongue to 'behave.' I have a video called Retraining the Tongue Root (An Exercise). In that video, I describe an exercise that I've found really helpful for releasing the tension at the base of my tongue while phonating. I'm able to keep my tongue much more relaxed in that position. Vocalizing in the NG position is also helpful for some. Other than that, it truly is a matter of bringing into consciousness behaviours/habits that are otherwise unconscious. It's a matter of catching yourself whenever tensions begin to mount, and actively - and painstakingly! - altering reflexes and achieving better balance. And that takes great care and patience. You may also find that singing in front of a mirror or with a 'dopey' facial and mouth posture help. Good luck! Please keep me posted.
singwisevocals with all seriousness, I'm a performer and a voice teacher, your vídeos are so well presented and so specific with a great amount of information . Brava!
Sometimes if I put my tongue closer to the the teeth line my voice sounds one way, and if I lower little sounds another way! Which way is better for singing!
I guess it altogether depends on the sound. If there's a perceptible difference at all, it's probably very subtle. re you talking about the tongue tip or the entire tongue body? The ultimately must 'speaking the integrity' of the vowel - it should be shaped appropriately for the specific vowel, with a corresponding height and curve. I do have a video on mastering the tongue, too, in which I talk more about what we should do with our tongues.
Nice video, i am suffering from suprahyoid/tongue tension, my chin muscles are actually shaking or trembling from tension when my jaw is at rest. You can actually see my lower lip move when i dont speak. This is some unnatural form of tension :(
Thank you. Definitely a sign of tension (or nerve problems). You may be dealing with too much entanglement of function between the hyoid bone (and the suprahyoid muscles that elevate it), tongue, and jaw. That can take some working out in order to find independence of function between them so that there is less tension, and so that tension in one area doesn't transfer as readily to the other areas. (I plan to record a video on this topic soon).
Something I have trouble with is creating a consistent vibrato. I keep attempting to fix it but it has been the most difficult for me to produce. Typically, I start singing with an open throat but soon I start to press because of miscellaneous issues. I notice that when I sing, my tongue trembles and in turn my vibrato is more of a bleat. Also, sometimes when I shape with my lips, they quiver. Is there any reasoning/solution to overcoming this obstacle? I love singing and there's moments where I feel amazing at singing, but consistency has been the most frustrating thing to achieve.
As someone who studies Myofunctional Therapy (proper functioning of the tongue) and sings, you are very intelligent on this topic and gave a great deal of healthy tongue information for singers. Great job!
Thank you!
I've listened to allot of informational videos covering an array of different topics here on the tube however, I feel your explanation on a topic is the best yet. You are so knowledgeable in this field and explained things clearly and concisely. Thumbs up and is an honor to subscribe to your page.
Thank you!
How am I just now discovering your channel? This is gold!
Oh my gosh, thanks so much for this. The struggle is real.
I feel fortunate to be able to learn so much from you.
+VIDEOHEREBOB That's very kind, Bob!
And here I was thinking that I HAD found the root of the problem when I noticed I've got so much tongue tension. But now I still have to figure out what's causing that! And no, not a single singing teacher has addressed this problem in their lessons (I've had many teachers). Seriously frustrating! Thank you for the useful video!
Once again, this is another helpful video! Thank you for taking the time to make it!
+Margerine91 You're very welcome. I'm so glad that it was helpful!
Earlier on in my singing career I notice I had a tougue tension issue but I had no idea there was a reset. I actually never even told my vocal teacher thinking it was a internal issue I was facing on my own.
6:42 exercises
Sos la mejor. Ojalá algún día pueda tomar clases con vos!
You are just so nurturing and lovely (and a great teacher as well). Thank you so much
Thank you for your sweet comment!
I love the way you explain things! Your lessons are so clear and easy to follow. I have a question about jaw/teeth alignment: have you had students who have had orthodontic or surgical treatment for an anterior open bite (where the back teeth meet while front teeth don’t meet)? And did it have a big impact on their singing? I just started the process of addressing my jaw/bite alignment with physio but I feel like the structure of my jaws means that my tongue never has enough space and I can never open wide enough at the back of my mouth :(
I have not ever worked with anyone with that specific malocclusion. (I've worked with under bites and tongue thrust, and singers with various speech issues.) I'm guessing that the biggest issue with the anterior open bite is related to articulation, and thus managing lyrics and resonance. Also, if you're a mouth breather, then you'll probably experience more dryness. Keep working with your orthodontist and other healthcare providers. Tackle the problem from multiple directions and you'll probably find that, over time, you'll see improvement in several areas, including your singing. (I found this interesting article: sleepandtmjtherapy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/How-Voice-Exercises-Can-Assist-in-Orthodontic-Treatment.pdf I'm not sure that directly addresses anterior open bite, but it's very insightful.) Please keep me posted on your progress.
thanks so much! I'll have a read of that article
Very awesome video! But wished you talked more about the NG home position. One other exercise I've learned to stretch the tongue is to stick it out as far as you can, 'bite down' with lips, and then swallow without the tongue going back. What is your opinion on the 'up tongue tip'? So called 'compressed tongue'.
There's only so much time! There are so many different stretches for the tongue and ways to deactivate the swallow reflex that I can't possibly list or demonstrate them all... unless I make my videos 30 minutes long. (I'm planning a video on deactivating the swallow reflex, too! I'll possibly include it in my 'open throat' video. I'm not sure yet, though.) I do have a video on how to properly sing the NG. So many singers get it wrong, and so they don't benefit fully from it. This is still a new channel, and I have lots of ideas for it and vocal topics to discuss in the upcoming months. As for the 'compressed tongue' or the 'up tongue tip,' I'm not sure that I have an opinion on it except that it's not a posture that the tongue tip can assume during the production of vowels (from which we obtain the majority of our resonance).
Heh yea, s0o0o many things to think about in practice...almost makes singing 'un-fun', initially. Posture, breathe low, breathe larynx down, body resistance at sternum/lower back, tongue wide out of the throat, tongue tip flip to pronounce, raised soft pallet, jaw relaxed down and back, lips 'oh' shaped, on-set of sound, articulation...think that's it... :-/ What would u say is the foundation of singing? Breath support?? Like fuel for a car?
We build the foundation one principle, coordination, skill, etc. at a time so that it's no so overwhelming. I would actually say that the foundation of singing begins with body alignment. If the body is not properly aligned, the ribcage can't expand properly (including sternum elevation) and the diaphragm can't lover fully and the singer can't hope to get a good breath or manage the breath efficiently or effectively. The shape of the resonator tract is also altered and the larynx becomes improperly suspended when the cervical spine and head are not aligned with each other and the rest of the spine. And the muscles of the entire body (including those of the articulators) become preoccupied with having to make compensatory adjustments to make up for where the proper muscles are not doing their jobs. It becomes a snowball or domino effect. Correct/optimal body alignment (posture) ensures that everything is in place - primed and ready to go - for efficient breathing, phonation and resonation.
Thanks a lot, this is great! I have been singing with a bad support and tongue tension for the past 5 years. My teacher says these two things are related and also that since I've been learning classical style, I have been taught to tense the tongue in order to achive a low larynx. Now that I know about this problem, I feel kinda lost because It's really hard for me to drop the tension even though it has gotten better because of these excercises. How long can it take to release all this tension and learn to sing in a more free way? For how much time should I do this kind of excercises and how can I unlearn a wrong singing techinque? I know it takes time but I'm really frustrated becuase this have been a problem for me since I started singing.
Sorry to hear that you're frustrated. How long it takes to eliminate tongue root tension and the habit of using the tongue root tension to stabilize the larynx depends on how deeply entrenched in your technique they are (e.g., how long you've been singing that way and the degree/amount of tension). It also depends on awareness, including kinaesthesia (e.g., whether or not you're aware of the sensations of tension). It will require you to learn a whole new way of approaching the passaggio, and the tongue root is going to want to resist change. It needs to be retrained. Every time you catch it behaving badly, correct it immediately. I have a few other videos containing different exercises for tongue root tension. I'm heading to bed right now, but if you can't find them on my channel, let me know and I'll send you the links.
excellent!
Thanks so much!
I love how thorough your explanations are :)
I have a question. My tongue is tense almost every minute of every day. I don't even have to speak for it to become tense...then when i do start speaking, or worse, try to do vocal exercises, it really really bothers me. I've tried so many vocal exercises for this, but nothing seems to work. Also, i'm going to be in two choirs this school year, but i'm very discouraged because of this terrible tension. It's coming up soon and I'm at such a loss. Is there anything else i can do?
I can completely empathize with you! I hold so much tension in my tongue throughout the day, especially while 'at rest.' (The tension at the base of my tongue over the past few years has even resulted in changes in the shape of my submandibular area.) For me, simply becoming more conscious of my tongue tension has helped. As soon as I notice it, I do some tongue stretches, place my tongue in a better position as I speak and sing the individual phonemes, and release whatever tensions I can by using the minimal amount of tension. But, truthfully, that has taken a lot of work - a lot of conscious effort to slowly retrain my tongue to 'behave.' I have a video called Retraining the Tongue Root (An Exercise). In that video, I describe an exercise that I've found really helpful for releasing the tension at the base of my tongue while phonating. I'm able to keep my tongue much more relaxed in that position. Vocalizing in the NG position is also helpful for some. Other than that, it truly is a matter of bringing into consciousness behaviours/habits that are otherwise unconscious. It's a matter of catching yourself whenever tensions begin to mount, and actively - and painstakingly! - altering reflexes and achieving better balance. And that takes great care and patience. You may also find that singing in front of a mirror or with a 'dopey' facial and mouth posture help. Good luck! Please keep me posted.
Than you very much for this very informative video and now I know what my problem is.
Yay! I'm so glad it was helpful.
You are amazing! Thank you so much!
You're welcome.
Thank you this is tongue language made easy!
You're very welcome!
Fantastic!
Thanks.
singwisevocals with all seriousness, I'm a performer and a voice teacher, your vídeos are so well presented and so specific with a great amount of information . Brava!
Thanks so much for stopping by, viewing my videos, and commenting! I really appreciate it.
Sometimes if I put my tongue closer to the the teeth line my voice sounds one way, and if I lower little sounds another way! Which way is better for singing!
I guess it altogether depends on the sound. If there's a perceptible difference at all, it's probably very subtle. re you talking about the tongue tip or the entire tongue body? The ultimately must 'speaking the integrity' of the vowel - it should be shaped appropriately for the specific vowel, with a corresponding height and curve. I do have a video on mastering the tongue, too, in which I talk more about what we should do with our tongues.
Nice video, i am suffering from suprahyoid/tongue tension, my chin muscles are actually shaking or trembling from tension when my jaw is at rest. You can actually see my lower lip move when i dont speak. This is some unnatural form of tension :(
Thank you. Definitely a sign of tension (or nerve problems). You may be dealing with too much entanglement of function between the hyoid bone (and the suprahyoid muscles that elevate it), tongue, and jaw. That can take some working out in order to find independence of function between them so that there is less tension, and so that tension in one area doesn't transfer as readily to the other areas. (I plan to record a video on this topic soon).
Something I have trouble with is creating a consistent vibrato. I keep attempting to fix it but it has been the most difficult for me to produce. Typically, I start singing with an open throat but soon I start to press because of miscellaneous issues. I notice that when I sing, my tongue trembles and in turn my vibrato is more of a bleat. Also, sometimes when I shape with my lips, they quiver. Is there any reasoning/solution to overcoming this obstacle? I love singing and there's moments where I feel amazing at singing, but consistency has been the most frustrating thing to achieve.
I get really tired and tight jaws when I do na na na. How can I get over that?
6:55