There is so much contrasting information on the internet on this one! So what does this mean? It is widely thought that raising your chin is bad technique, will cause neck tension and is an unhealthy singing habit. But if this is true, why do you often see professional singers from Pop to Classical do this in a variety of vocal registers?
Mixed voice
Ariana Grande raises her chin around 2.42 to sing a balanced high mix.
CLASSICAL HEAD VOICE
Anna Netrebko raises her chin at 1.27 while singing in a beautiful classical head voice.
Strong Mix/Belt
Watch Beyonce at anywhere from 2.50 onwards lift her chin on the high belt notes.
So, should I Raise my chin when singing?
There are pros and cons to head extension in singing, and it often depends on your voice and where you are in your vocal training. I want to point out that if it doesn’t work for you, don’t do it. Not every technique works for every person. As I am keen to make sure this technique is not misused, let's start with the cons.
CONS
Can add to existing throat tension - If you are a beginner singer or suffer from a lot of throat tension raising the chin can add to this. Throat tension is unhealthy, unhelpful in reaching high notes and can make your sound tight or shrill. Keeping that chin down may help combat this. When beginning to explore your range and belt, it is essential to learn to sing without tension before looking at techniques like raising the chin, and if your chin juts forward or you feel tension, this may not be the right tool for you right now.
It may raise the larynx - This is both a con and a pro depending on the sound you want to make. Especially in classical technique a raised larynx is something to be wary of. However, it can sometimes be useful in boosting higher formats when looking to achieve a high mix or belt sound
PROS
Widens the Pharynx (Part of the Vocal Tract) - As found in recent MRI Studies, a wide pharynx can help boost resonance in the voice.
It helps the Larynx tilt - It is essential to let the CA muscles to kick in and the larynx tilt to allow the vocal cords to lengthen and thin out when trying to achieve a healthy mix or head voice. A raised chin has been shown to promote this.
Raising the chin can be a useful tool but must be used with caution especially if you are a person who experiences a lot of tension or sings with a high larynx. It is vital that before using this technique, we learn to shift registers in a relaxed, comfortable and natural way and don’t raise the chin to try and force out the high notes. Moreover, remember we are all different so it might work for some people and not others, or maybe it works on one specific note for you. What is important is that we learn to sing in a healthy way that allows you to express your creativity.
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References
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/20563698_Changes_in_the_pharygeal_airway_in_relation_to_extension_of_the_head
