Singing nasally is a common technical issue defined by an excess of sound resonance through the nasal cavity instead of the mouth. This results in a thin, sometimes pinched vocal quality that lacks fullness. While some styles of music utilize slight nasal qualities, most vocal techniques aim for an even balance of oral resonance for a richer, more powerful tone. Overcoming this habit is achievable through conscious awareness and focused control of the vocal apparatus.
The Physical Cause of Nasal Singing
The physical mechanism behind nasal singing centers on the velum, or the soft palate, which is the muscular, soft tissue located at the back of the roof of the mouth. This velum acts as a gatekeeper, determining whether sound waves are directed primarily into the oral cavity or the nasal cavity.
In normal speech and non-nasal singing, the velum is lifted and drawn back, closing off the passageway, known as the velopharyngeal port, between the throat and the nose. When the soft palate is not raised sufficiently, air and sound leak into the nasal passages, causing hypernasality. This contrasts with proper oral resonance, which allows the sound waves to travel into the larger, more flexible space of the mouth for a fuller sound.
Immediate Techniques to Close Off Nasal Airflow
The most immediate change a singer can make involves consciously engaging the soft palate to redirect the airflow. One effective technique is to simulate the beginning of a yawn or the feeling of inhaling a wonderful smell. This action naturally lifts the soft palate, which creates more space in the back of the throat and encourages sound to resonate in the mouth.
Another important static adjustment involves the tongue, which should lie relatively flat and relaxed in the mouth, not bunched up in the back. A raised back-of-the-tongue position can push sound waves toward the nasal cavity, contributing to a nasal tone. To encourage oral resonance, the singer should focus on a relaxed jaw and an open throat space.
You can check your progress instantly by using the “pinch test.” Sing a non-nasal vowel sound, like “ah,” and gently pinch your nostrils closed. If the sound quality changes or stops, it confirms that air and sound are leaking into the nasal cavity. If the sound remains consistent, you are successfully directing the airflow through the mouth.
Vocal Exercises for Long-Term Correction
Repetitive drills are necessary to build the muscle memory required to maintain a lifted soft palate while singing. One foundational exercise involves transitioning from a nasal sound to an open vowel. Start by sustaining the “ng” sound, as in the word “sing,” which forces the soft palate down, and then immediately drop your tongue to an open vowel like “ah” or “ee.”
The goal of this “ng” to vowel transition is to feel the soft palate snap upward and hold that position for the vowel. Another drill uses the hard consonant “g” to help facilitate this muscular action, such as singing the sequence “Ng-Ghee.” The hard “G” momentarily stops the air, and the subsequent vowel encourages the soft palate to remain lifted, blocking the nasal passage.
Vowel modification exercises also help train the vocal tract to prioritize oral resonance. Practice transitioning between closed vowels, like “ee,” which tend to raise the back of the tongue, and more open vowels, like “ah.” Maintaining the feeling of a lifted palate while singing the “ee” vowel prevents the tongue from rising too high and causing nasality. Practicing scales on a single open vowel, like “ah” or “oh,” reinforces the correct physical setup for non-nasal singing.
Integrating New Habits and Seeking Expert Guidance
The transition from consciously applying these techniques to making them automatic requires consistent practice and self-monitoring. Regularly record your practice sessions and performances to objectively assess your vocal tone and identify moments where the nasal quality returns. This self-assessment is a tool for linking the sound you hear with the physical sensations you feel.
The new habits should be integrated slowly into your repertoire, starting with single notes and short phrases before moving to full songs. If, despite diligent practice, the nasal tone persists or you feel you have reached a plateau, seeking professional guidance can be beneficial. A qualified vocal coach or a speech-language pathologist can provide personalized feedback and exercises tailored to your specific vocal anatomy and habit patterns. This professional help is a strategic step toward advanced vocal development.