Do you carry tension in your cheeks or jaw when you sing? This often leads to a tight, pinched sound.
The Puffy Cheek 'Bub' is a Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract (SOVT) exercise that addresses this by using high air pressure inside the mouth. It’s like a massage for your vocal folds and a relaxation technique for your face, all in one.
Actionable Step: The Puffy Cheek 'Bub'
1. The Sound
Say the syllable "Bub," but allow your cheeks to puff out fully with air on the "B." It should look like you are holding a mouthful of water.
2. The Feel
Feel pressure building up behind your lips. Lips stay loose and flappy, not tight. Jaw stays relaxed.
3. The Drill
Step up through 1-2-3-4 using this puffy "Bub." The small intervals keep tension low while the air pressure in your cheeks helps "splint" the vocal folds.
Practice with Vocal Driller
Why This Works
This works because of backpressure (inertance).
By puffing out your cheeks and using a plosive "B," you create a reservoir of air pressure above the vocal folds. This backpressure pushes back against the airflow from your lungs, helping to square up the vocal folds and allowing them to vibrate more efficiently with less effort. It unloads the weight from the vocal muscles, allowing you to access your upper range with a feeling of ease and release.