Too much sound is escaping through the nose.
In a Nutshell
The velum (soft palate) acts like a curtain at the back of the mouth. When the curtain is drawn up (raised), sound exits through the mouth; when the curtain is open (lowered), sound exits through the nose. Excessive nasality means the curtain stays open, allowing too much sound into the nasal cavity.
You Might Feel
| Feeling | Description |
|---|
| Buzzy sound | Like talking with a cold |
| Big change when pinching nose | Indicates nasality |
| Heavy nasality on certain vowels | For example, "ah" |
| Voice lacks brightness | Sound is absorbed by the nasal cavity |
Why Does This Happen?
| Cause | Description |
|---|
| Velum not raised | The "curtain" at the back of the mouth is lowered |
| Habitual pattern | Accustomed to singing this way |
| Structural issue | May require medical consultation |
Daily Tips
| Do | Don't |
|---|
| Open the mouth | Keep the mouth too flat |
| Feel the gag sensation | Let the velum drop |
| Check in a mirror | Ignore uncertainty — use a mirror |
| Use humming | Use humming to find mask resonance |
Related Content
Velum Position — Velum position chartSide Profile — Overall vocal tract
