Problems with frequent swallowing

Hi Camille,

My husband and I started your program a few weeks ago and we are really enjoying it! One issue I always encounter when I sing is frequent swallowing. I have never been able to pin point whether this problem is just that I have too much saliva to get rid of or if I'm just really tense and anxious. I thought maybe doing your program would help me out. I especially struggle with the swallowing on the ooo vowel sounds and ahhs are just mildly better. Any tips or suggestions?

Thanks!

Lynn

Hi, Lynn and Patrick! Glad you're both enjoying the course. 

I have a feeling it could be one or more of the following:

1. Nerves/tension due to anxiety when singing. See here for a lesson on strain, pain and vocal health. Some of the exercises mentioned (like singing with a very loose, relaxed jaw or singing with the tongue out of the mouth) can help to free up that tension!

2. Tension in the throat due to your tongue pulling back and pressing down on the larynx - a very common problem when singing an OO vowel, as our tongue naturally sits a bit further back in the mouth to make an OO sound. See here for a lesson on tongue placement, and consider keeping the tongue more forward when you sing (and see if that helps). 

3. Level of hydration - consider increasing your water intake (all the time, not just when you're singing or about to sing). 

Let me know what you think, and if any of the above helps you!

Thanks so much for the advice! I super appreciate it! I will definitely try these things out and let you know how it goes.

My pleasure! Please do!