Relax that jaw!

Jaw tension.  Many of you have heard your teacher talk to you about this, right?  It is extremely important to create more space in the back of your jaw than in the front.  Here is a really great way to accomplish this.  Take your index fingers, place them on your jaw between your back molars and gently push in.  As you drop the back of your jaw you should feel a slight yawning sensation when done correctly.  (Also the lower jaw should drop back not jut forward)  This is the perfect position for your jaw so look in the mirror and memorize how this looks and feels!  The key is to keep this position AT ALL TIMES when singing all vowels and consonants.  Vocal science has proven that when we drop the back of the jaw our throats open and that is exactly what we want.  Try singing your songs in this position.  You will find your diction to be very sloppy…that’s ok, for now.   If you learn to use your articulators…your tongue and lips correctly…you will find that your diction will improve and you will experience a much more open, spacious throat.  I can’t think of a more important aspect to great vocal technique (other than breath support) than learning to sing with a dropped jaw.  Remember, don’t chew your words!