The #1 Thing Stopping You From Singing Effortlessly

Let’s talk about something that should almost always be one of the first things talked about in voice lessons: tension.

A few years ago, I was pushing my voice way too hard. Belting high, chasing power, straining like crazy—because I thought that’s what it took to become a successful singer. I unfortunately learned the hard way that if you do that for too long, you’ll end up in a pickle… I got vocal nodules.

No one warned me how much tension could mess with my voice - or maybe they did, but my teenage brain just wasn’t ready to hear it... Or that it was something I needed to release before doing all the fancy vocal work.

So if you’re trying to level up your singing, here’s what I want you to know now (so you don’t end up where I did).

Prefer listening to/watching the full episode on voice types? Scroll to the bottom of the page to listen on Spotify, Apple Podcast or YouTube!

The Real Symptoms of Tension

Tension doesn’t always feel like tension. It can show up as:

• A small or limited vocal range

• Feeling stuck in your throat

• Voice getting tired quickly, going hoarse after singing

• Difficulty riffing or singing fast lines, feeling stiff

• Lack of volume control (you’re either really loud or soft)

• Vocal cracks when transition from low to high notes

If any of that sounds familiar, your body is probably holding onto tension somewhere—and it’s getting in the way of everything you’re trying to do vocally.

Why Singing Without Tension Changes Everything

Tension-free singing is where the magic happens. It’s what allows you to:

• Access more range

• Improve vocal agility

• Sing longer without fatigue

• Stay in control of your tone and volume

• Better pitch accuracy

• Actually enjoy singing because it feels good

And most importantly? It helps keep your voice healthy and sustainable.

Where Tension Shows Up

Here’s where tension loves to hide:

• Jaw – clenching, tightness, lack of space, pushing lower jaw forward (jaw thrust)

• Tongue – root tension, pulling back, overworking, sounding like Kermit The Frog

• Neck/shoulders – reaching forward or up, veins & muscles popping out

• Face - lifted eyebrows, overusing of the lips

• Mind – mental tension turns into physical tension real fast

Every singer is different - some experience more tension in the jaw, others more in the tongue, etc. It’s important that you figure out where you’re holding the most tension and then work on releasing it. But be careful, every day can feel different. Some days I feel more tension in my jaw, other’s more in my neck. So be sure to learn how to release tension in all areas.

A Simple Way to Practice Releasing Tension

There are different stretches, massages and exercises you can practice to release tension in the jaw, tongue, neck and face (and I go over them all in the latest episode of From Singer To Artist - check it out at the bottom of this page!). But putting all techniques aside, there's one thing you can do that will apply to all of these areas...

Start paying attention to how your voice feels in your body. The second something feels tight, pause. Stay there. Make some adjustments. Resolve it. Then move on. I know it might seem weird to focus on what singing feels like instead of just focusing on the sound you're creating... But I promise you, the better you physically feel when you sing, the better you'll sound.

Bottom Line

If you’re only focused on range or power, but ignoring how your body feels when you sing—this is your sign to shift gears. I promise you that when singing feels good, you’re going to sound a lot better.

Wanna dig deeper and practice some stretches, massages and exercises together with me to feel the release immediately? Check out our latest episode on From Singer to Artist, where I’m sharing exactly what I wish I knew earlier: how to recognize tension, release it, and rebuild your voice from a healthier, more sustainable place.

Prefer Listening To The Podcast On Your Favorite Platform? Listen Below.