Why Does My Voice Sound Nasally When I Sing Vocal Technique Tips

Many singers—especially beginners—notice their voice takes on a thin, pinched, or overly bright quality when they sing. Often described as \"nasal,\" this sound can make vocals feel strained, unpleasant, or difficult to sustain. While some degree of nasal resonance is natural and even desirable in certain styles, excessive nasality typically signals an imbalance in vocal technique. The good news: with proper awareness and training, you can correct it and unlock a richer, more balanced tone.

Nasal tone isn't just about how you sound—it's often a clue that your vocal mechanism is working inefficiently. Airflow, soft palate position, tongue tension, and resonance placement all play roles. Understanding the root causes and applying targeted exercises can transform your singing from constricted to free and resonant.

What Causes a Nasally Singing Voice?

The perception of a \"nasal\" voice comes from too much sound vibrating in the nasal cavities rather than being distributed across the full vocal tract. But true nasality in singing isn’t always due to the nose itself—it’s usually a symptom of misdirected resonance or muscular imbalance.

When you speak or sing, sound waves travel through your vocal tract and resonate in spaces like the mouth, pharynx, and sinuses. These resonators shape your tone. If the soft palate (the muscular back portion of the roof of your mouth) doesn’t lift properly during singing, air escapes into the nasal cavity, creating that telltale honky or whiny quality.

Other contributing factors include:

• Tongue root tension – A tight or retracted tongue restricts oral space, pushing resonance upward.
• High larynx position – When the larynx rises excessively, it shortens the vocal tract and increases nasal dominance.
• Incorrect vowel shaping – Misformed vowels, especially /ɪ/ (as in “sit”) or /ɛ/ (“bed”), can encourage nasal resonance.
• Habitual speech patterns – Some people naturally speak with a forward, nasal tone, which carries over into singing.
• Overuse of forward placement cues – Phrases like “sing in your mask” or “feel it in your nose” are often misunderstood and can promote actual nasal emission.

“Nasality in singing is rarely about the nose—it’s about where the sound is allowed to resonate. Proper palatal control separates a nasal tone from bright, forward resonance.” — Dr. Wendy LeBorgne, Vocal Scientist and Director of the Blaine Block Institute for Voice

How to Tell If You’re Singing Too Nasally

Before correcting the issue, you need to accurately identify it. Here are practical ways to self-diagnose excessive nasality:

1. Pinch your nose test: Sing a sustained vowel (like “ah” or “ee”) while gently pinching your nostrils closed. If the sound changes significantly—becomes muffled, weaker, or disappears—you're likely letting too much air escape through your nose.
2. Record and listen: Record yourself singing a simple phrase. Listen back critically: does your voice sound thin, whiny, or like a cartoon character? Nasal voices often lack warmth and body.
3. Mirror check: Watch your face while singing. Are your cheeks tense? Is your jaw clenched? These signs often accompany high tongue tension and a raised larynx, both linked to nasality.
4. Compare speaking vs. singing: Do you speak with a nasal tone? If so, it’s likely influencing your singing. Try reading aloud with a more open mouth and lowered larynx to hear the difference.

Tip: Use the “ng” sound (as in “sing”) to locate nasal resonance. Then transition to “n” and finally “d” to feel how resonance shifts forward and out of the nose.

Vocal Technique Tips to Reduce Nasality

Correcting a nasal singing voice requires retraining muscle coordination, not just willpower. The goal is balanced resonance—where sound vibrates efficiently in the oral cavity, pharynx, and facial bones without leaking into the nasal passages.

1. Engage the Soft Palate

The soft palate acts as a gatekeeper between the mouth and nose. When it lifts, it blocks airflow into the nasal cavity, directing sound forward through the mouth. To practice lifting it:

• Yawn widely and hold the position. Notice the sensation of openness at the back of your mouth.
• Say “ah” on a yawn-sigh, maintaining that lifted feeling.
• Try humming with your mouth closed, then slowly open it into an “ah” while keeping the internal lift.

2. Practice Oral Resonance Exercises

Train your voice to resonate in the mouth and throat instead of the nose:

• Bubble lips or straw phonation: Hum through a straw in water or do lip trills on a comfortable pitch. These exercises encourage balanced airflow and discourage nasal leakage.
• Use voiced consonants like “v,” “z,” “zh”: Sing scales on “zee,” “voo,” or “measure” to keep resonance forward but not nasal.
• Sing on “aw” or “oh” vowels: These wide, open vowels naturally resist nasality by expanding the pharynx.

3. Lower and Stabilize the Larynx

A high larynx compresses the vocal tract and promotes nasal tone. To find a neutral larynx:

• Inhale as if smelling flowers—this naturally lowers the larynx.
• Practice sliding from a low grunt (like saying “uh-huh”) into a gentle hum. Maintain that lower position as you ascend in pitch.
• Use the word “pot” (with a glottal stop) to initiate sound without laryngeal climb.

4. Release Tongue Tension

A tight tongue base pushes sound into the nasal cavity. To release it:

• Stick your tongue out slightly and sing a scale on “lah-lah-lah.” This disengages the root.
• Massage the muscles under your jaw before singing.
• Practice singing with a clean pencil horizontally across your mouth (not between teeth)—it forces jaw and tongue relaxation.

5. Reframe “Forward Placement”

Many singers misunderstand “singing in the mask” as meaning sound should vibrate in the nose. In reality, “mask resonance” refers to vibrations felt in the upper teeth, cheekbones, and nasal bridge—but not *through* the nose. Think of brightness without nasal air escape.

Tip: Imagine your sound bouncing off the back of your upper front teeth—not escaping through your nostrils.

Do’s and Don’ts: Balancing Nasal Resonance

Do	Don’t
Use yawn-sigh techniques to lift the soft palate	Force sound into your nose to create brightness
Practice lip trills and straw phonation daily	Push your tongue backward when singing high notes
Focus on warm, round vowels like “aw” and “oh”	Let your jaw clench or rise when ascending
Hum with mouth open to monitor nasal leakage	Ignore persistent nasality thinking it’s your “tone”
Work with a vocal coach for real-time feedback	Rely solely on recordings without guidance

Mini Case Study: From Nasal to Neutral – Sarah’s Progress

Sarah, a 24-year-old musical theater performer, struggled with a piercing, nasal tone that made her belt register fatiguing and harsh. Despite strong breath support, directors often told her she “sounded like she had a cold.” After a vocal assessment, her coach identified three key issues: a chronically low soft palate, excessive tongue root tension, and habitual use of narrow vowels.

Over eight weeks, Sarah practiced daily exercises: soft palate lifts using yawn-initiation, straw phonation on scales, and vowel modification drills. She replaced “ee” with a slightly wider “ih-ee” blend and used lip trills to stabilize airflow. By week six, her recordings showed noticeably warmer tone and reduced strain. At her next audition, she received feedback praising her “richer, more mature sound.”

Sarah’s case illustrates that nasality is correctable with consistent, mindful practice—even for experienced singers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reduce Nasal Singing Tone

Follow this 10-minute daily routine to gradually reduce nasality and improve resonance balance:

1. Warm-up with a yawn-sigh (2 min): Inhale deeply on a yawn, then sigh on “ah” while maintaining the lifted soft palate. Repeat 5 times.
2. Lip trills on a 5-note scale (2 min): Start mid-range and move up and down. Focus on steady airflow and no nasal pinch.
3. Straw phonation in water (2 min): Submerge one end of a stirring straw in water and hum scales. Bubbles should be smooth, not sputtering.
4. Vowel shaping drill (2 min): Sing “mah-may-mee-moh-moo” on a comfortable pitch. Ensure each vowel stays open and doesn’t narrow into nasal sounds.
5. Transition from ‘ng’ to ‘d’ (2 min): Sustain “ng” (as in “sing”), then slowly open to “dee” without losing resonance. Feel the shift from nasal to oral.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is all nasal resonance bad for singing?

No. Some nasal resonance is natural and healthy, especially in genres like country, pop, or French chanson. The key is balance. A small amount adds brightness and presence, but excessive nasality reduces vocal efficiency and can cause fatigue.

Can a deviated septum cause a nasal singing voice?

Possibly, but rarely. Structural issues like a deviated septum affect airflow but don’t directly cause tonal nasality. Most vocal nasality is functional—related to muscle use, not anatomy. However, if you suspect a physical obstruction, consult an ENT who specializes in voice.

Why do I sound nasal only on high notes?

As pitch rises, the vocal tract must adjust to maintain balance. Many singers compensate by raising the larynx and tightening the tongue, which redirects resonance nasally. Instead, focus on maintaining soft palate lift and pharyngeal space as you ascend.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Vocal Tone

A nasally singing voice isn’t a permanent flaw—it’s a technical habit that can be reshaped with awareness and practice. By understanding the role of the soft palate, managing tongue tension, and cultivating balanced resonance, you can develop a fuller, freer tone that carries emotion and power without strain.

The journey to better vocal technique isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about consistent, intelligent practice. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned singer, refining your resonance is one of the most impactful steps you can take toward vocal excellence.

🚀 Ready to transform your tone? Start today with the 10-minute routine and track your progress weekly. Share your experience or questions in the comments—your journey could inspire another singer to break free from nasality too.