Sing Without Tension: Musical Solutions

These exercises combine tension release with essential musical patterns. You'll improve your pitch while learning to sing freely.

Exercise 1: The Yawning Roll (5-4-3-2-1 / Sol-Fa-Mi-Re-Do)

Releases:

• Jaw tension
• Tongue stiffness
• Forced high notes

How to practice:

1. Inhale like a quiet yawn
2. Sing descending "Yah" on Sol-Fa-Mi-Re-Do (G-F-E-D-C)
3. Let your jaw drop slightly with each note

Exercise 2: The Floating Triad (1-3-5-3-1 / Do-Mi-Sol-Mi-Do)

Targets:

• Throat constriction
• Register breaks
• Breath support

Technique:

1. Sing "Mum" on Do-Mi-Sol-Mi-Do (C-E-G-E-C)
2. Imagine balloons lifting each higher note
3. Keep shoulders relaxed throughout

Exercise 3: The Sighing Octave (1-8 / Do-Do)

Benefits:

• Connects chest and head voice
• Reduces vocal fry
• Builds smooth transitions

Steps:

1. Start with a relaxed "Voo" on low C
2. Slide gently up to high C like a sigh
3. Lips should stay rounded and soft

Practice Tips

• Always start at comfortable volume
• Place hands on jaw/shoulders to monitor tension
• Record weekly to track freer singing