Jenevora’s Running Commentary Episode 3: Tongue position and remapping “space”

Why do so many singers pull the tongue back, and why does it feel like “more space” when it is often the opposite? In this episode I’m exploring tongue position, the common habit of flattening or retracting the tongue during inhalation, and how that can press into the area above the larynx and narrow the throat. We often misread sensation. When you breathe in to sing, you might feel cold air at the back of the throat and assume that means you have created space. But air moving over a moist surface feels colder, and airflow speeds up where there are narrowings. So that cold sensation can be a sign of constriction rather than openness. The practical remap is simple. Breathe in with the tongue filling the mouth, in its home position along the roof of the mouth, so it stays out of the airway. Think of the tongue as a ball, not a blade. The tongue will still move for vowels and consonants, but as a resting place and during the inhale, avoid pulling it back. These ideas were clarified for me by Ken Bozeman, whose work on acoustics and kinesthetics of singing is well worth exploring: http://www.kenbozeman.com/ Takeaway: when you breathe in, stay cool up front. Jenevora’s Running Commentary is a series of short chats and ideas about singing and teaching singing, named after the place where I do a lot of my thinking: on a run. Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:16 The common problem: tongue pulling back 0:30 Tongue home position (fills the mouth, out of the airway) 1:00 Why singers flatten the tongue on the inhale 1:11 Cold air at the back of the throat (why we misread it) 1:24 Airflow, speed and narrowing (constriction creates cold sensation) 2:21 How to remap: tongue filling the mouth 2:28 Ball not blade (resting position vs speech movement) 2:58 Credit: Ken Bozeman (acoustics and kinesthetics) 3:24 Final takeaway: stay cool up front 3:41 End About Dr Jenevora Williams Dr Jenevora Williams is a voice science PhD and singing teacher specialising in vocal health and voice pedagogy, with particular expertise in young and developing voices. She was the first singing teacher in the UK to be awarded a PhD in voice science, and received the 2010 BVA Van Lawrence Prize for her contribution to voice research. Jenevora’s work spans research, teaching and professional training, and this channel shares practical, evidence-led ideas for singers, teachers and voice practitioners. Work with Jenevora in three ways 1:1 work (sessions and mentoring) Personalised support for singers and voice professionals. This can include vocal technique, vocal health strategy, teaching challenges, and rehabilitation-informed work. Evolving Voice (courses and training) Training and resources designed to support young voices and the people who work with them, including singing teachers, choir leaders and practitioners. Vocal Health Education (training pathways for voice professionals) VHE provides structured education in vocal health and rehabilitation for voice professionals around the world, from foundational training through to advanced specialist pathways.