I have previously written about the importance of a relaxed jaw in singing. So much of a singer’s clear resonance and articulation hinge on a freely moving jaw. Any tightness in the jaw muscle, tongue root and pharynx (back of the mouth) can pull the soft palate down, resulting in a more nasal sound. Here, we’ll cover the flow-on effects of jaw tension, with some more specific exercises to release it.

The hinge part of your jaw is located near your ears and it moves forward and down to open the mouth. Because your upper teeth are in your skull, a perceived upward movement of your teeth is just that – perception. The upward movement is actually your soft palate and the nearby muscles.

A relaxed jaw can release tension elsewhere

When singers learn to release their jaw appropriately, they often find tension in their shoulders, facial muscles and neck muscles is also relieved.

As any singer knows, part of singing is being aware of how your whole body is feeling. You want to feel free of tension, and when you find looseness in your jaw, neck and tongue, it also helps with body alignment as you sing.

Nick performing at our Studio Concert

What if you grind your teeth or clench your jaw?

If your jaw is tight from habitual clenching or grinding, then releasing and relaxing it will take longer. Some singers have chronic issues with their temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint that facilitates lower jaw movement. Their jaw muscles may be sore and tight and their jaw may lock or click on opening and closing. Underlying causes can include stress, teeth grinding, poor jaw alignment, or injury. It’s important to see a doctor or dentist for investigation and treatment options.

A qualified singing teacher can give you specific jaw exercises (like these below) to help safely release your jaw. I would advise that you refrain from moving your jaw from side to side, as this can be damaging. Also, avoid jamming, propping open, or over stretching your jaw for singing.

And go easy on yourself. Chronic jaw pain and tightness won’t vanish overnight, and it may always be with you to some degree. You can still sing!

Exercises to help release your jaw

You may think your jaw is relaxed and open, but these exercises will help you discover how we sometimes overestimate the openness of our jaw.

The exercises in these videos will bring awareness to the action, or rather, inaction of your jaw when singing.

Try this: Sit in front of a mirror, relaxed and with legs uncrossed, and talk about your day. You may notice how tight your jaw is. Try speaking again, and consciously release your jaw.

Try this: Relax your jaw. Don’t look in a mirror, simply release your jaw. Guess how many fingers you could insert vertically between your teeth. One? Two? Three? Don’t put your fingers in your mouth, just sense the width. Then try to put that number between your teeth and test your accuracy.

Try this: In front of a mirror, open your mouth and place the tip of your index finger, vertically between your teeth.  Sing ‘Lah, Lah, Lah’ or ‘I, E, A, OH, OO’. Feel the tip of your tongue rise and fall as you sing ‘Lah, Lah, Lah’ and move forward and back for the vowels. If the one finger feels comfortable, then try your index and middle finger vertically between your teeth and repeat the same sound. Take your fingers away and explore speaking or singing with that released feel in your jaw. The width of two fingers in a vertical position should be the aim for singers, both as you inhale and then as you sing.

Try this: Let your teeth touch together, without excessive pressure, and speak like this for about 30 seconds. Then let your teeth separate and your jaw relax and speak normally. You will notice the difference between resonance and articulation. When you are singing, try relaxing your jaw a little more than you are used to. It takes consciousness, but will build a good habit.

Learning to release your jaw will give your singing voice better tone. These exercises are ideal to do before your regular singing practice, like a warm-up before your workout.

With a whole-body approach to singing training, Kathleen Connell helps you work on specific issues with your vocal technique, and integrate improvements to achieve freer, sustainable sound.

 There’s an in-person or online singing package to suit you. Call 0402 409 106 to enquire.