Mewing, a term that arose from the realm of orthotropics, has found its way into the world of singing.
However, the question remains: is it beneficial for singers?
This article explores the effects of mewing on the voice, especially focusing on singing performance.
What is Mewing?
Mewing is a technique devised by Dr. John Mew, a British orthodontist.
It involves maintaining the tongue’s proper posture by placing it against the roof of the mouth.
Doing this results in a well-defined jawline and improved facial aesthetics.
However, the effects that mewing has on singing are debated.
While mewing and singing might seem unrelated, they relate to the neck and throat muscles in charge of your voice.
If you’re worried about mewing ruining your hard-earned voice, continue reading!
Mewing and Singing: A Complex Relationship
Mewing can have diverse effects on singing.
It can influence the voice’s depth and resonance, impact muscle tension, and even affect the soft palate’s fatigue levels.
Some singers have observed a deeper voice after mewing, attributed to the increased tension in the jaw muscles.
This is because the larynx, a key muscle for your vocals, is constricted by poor tongue posture, which reduces the deepness of your voice.
By training your facial muscles through maintaining proper tongue posture, you achieve more vocal endurance, allowing you to sing louder and clearer.
In addition, mewing can help singers avoid vocal fatigue by strengthening the muscles in the jaw and neck, which helps support the voice for long periods of time.
Through mewing & proper tongue posture, you can relax these muscles allowing them to open up, leading to a deeper, more pronounced voice.
Proper posture is key to creating a resonating voice that applies to your body and tongue.
What Mewing Does, and How It Affects Singing
Neck and Jaw Posture
Mewing can help improve the alignment of the jaw and neck muscles, which can reduce tension in these areas.
When relaxed through proper tongue posture, these muscles can open up and create a fuller sound.
Mewing can also help to reduce vocal fatigue by reducing tension in these same neck and jaw muscles – allowing them to support the voice for longer periods of time.
Widening the palate
Mewing can also help widen the palate, allowing singers to open their throats wider and increase their vocal range.
This is because the tongue’s posture creates more space in the mouth, allowing air to move freely and create a resonant sound.
Widening the palate also allows for greater control of pitch and tone.
As a result, singers may be able to hit higher notes more easily.
Improved Airflow
In addition to widening the palate, mewing can also improve airflow.
When the tongue is placed correctly, the throat opens up, allowing more airflow.
Having your tongue on the roof of your mouth blocks your throat, only allowing you to nasal breathe.
Nasal breathing has many benefits over mouth breathing and will help greatly help airflow.
This helps singers maintain their breath during long notes and phrases and reach higher notes more easily.
The improved airflow also allows for better pitch and tone control, making it easier to hit notes accurately. Ultimately, this leads to improved vocal performance and better sound quality.
That being said, it is recommended that all singers should mouth breath only while singing.
Sleeping Disorders
Sleeping disorders can worsen your voice. You can alleviate sleep apnea by maintaining proper tongue posture throughout the night and avoiding certain sleeping positions.
Mewing and Vocal Exercises
Mewing can be viewed as a vocal exercise, although not commonly taught.
Some vocal instructors may assign mewing and whimpering sounds to address specific tonal issues.
However, these are usually targeted exercises and are not meant to be integrated into a daily routine long-term.
Mewing: Not Just about Resting the Tongue
Mewing is not merely about resting the tongue on the mouth’s roof. It involves gently pushing too.
This active involvement of the tongue muscles can potentially create more room in the mouth, which may affect the voice’s resonance.
Summary
Mewing, although controversial, can be an interesting exploration for singers.
Its potential benefits and drawbacks need to be considered carefully.
As always, singers should seek professional advice before incorporating any new technique.