Neck Exercises to Deepen the Voice
Stretching and strengthening your neck muscles can help deepen your voice by relieving muscle pressure on your vocal cords, according to James P. Thomas, M.D., writing on Voicedoctor.net. This, in turn, lowers voice pitch and improves resonance.
Stretching and strengthening your neck muscles can help deepen your voice by relieving muscle pressure on your vocal cords, according to James P. Thomas, M.D., writing on Voicedoctor.net. This, in turn, lowers voice pitch and improves resonance. All exercises for the neck should be performed slowly and carefully and without causing any pain. If you have any back or neck problems, check with your doctor before starting any neck treatment program.
Neck Stretching Exercise
This exercise stretches the Sternocleidomastoid muscle that runs from behind your ear, down over your throat and attaches to your collar bone. If this muscle is tense, it can place pressure on your throat and vocal cords. This can make you feel like you have a sore throat and/or restrict airflow over your vocal cords, making your voice sound higher, but regular stretching can ease this tension. Try slowly turning your head to the left so your chin is in line with your shoulder and hold for several seconds. To increase the stretch, place your left hand on the outside of your chin and apply very gentle pressure, then relax and repeat on the other side.
Neck Strengthening Exercise
The stronger your neck muscles are, the better able they will be to support your head and spine in a good upright posture and relieve muscle tension on your vocal cords. This exercise targets the muscles in your throat. Aim to do three sets of 10 repetitions throughout the day, increasing the number of repetitions as your neck strength improves. Stand up straight with your chest lifted and your shoulders back and down. Gently push your chin back and slightly down so your neck is in a straight line with your shoulders and spinal cord. You should feel the muscles in the front of your neck contract and a stretch down the back of your neck. Keep facing and looking directly forward, and stop immediately if you feel any pain. Hold for three seconds and relax.
Neck Posture Exercise
Maintaining good posture is essential for proper functioning of your vocal cords. When you slump your shoulders and push your chin forward, you are restricting your throat and crushing your vocal cords so that less air can vibrate over them to create the resonance needed for a deep voice, says vocalist.org.uk. Try doing regular posture checks throughout the day to make sure your spine is straight, your chest is lifted, and your shoulders are back and down. To ensure your chin and neck are in the best position to produce a deep voice, lower your chin to your chest and start a low hum, then slowly start to raise your chin. At some point around about where your chin is perpendicular to your neck, you will hear the hum grow deeper and richer. This is the optimum voice-producing position for your neck and chin. Practice this exercise regularly throughout the day to remind yourself of the neck position and posture required to produce your deepest voice.