24/03/2026
After 35 years of teaching singers, I can tell you this almost always comes down to one thing:
An imbalance between airflow and air pressure.
When singers push, they are usually over-driving air pressure forcing sound with tension in the throat instead of allowing consistent, efficient airflow to do the work.
Power does not come from force.
Healthy vocal production relies on a precise balance:
• Airflow - the steady movement of breath through the sound
• Air pressure - the energy that sets the vocal folds into vibration
Too much pressure and the sound becomes squeezed, tight, effortful.
Too much airflow and it becomes breathy and unstable.
The optimal effort level in singing is around a 3/7 ratio.
Only 3 out of 10 should feel like effort.
The other 7 comes from efficient air flow.
When that balance is right, the voice carries without strain. Notes feel accessible. Singing stops feeling like hard labour.
If your voice feels pushed, it’s not because you’re incapable.
It’s because the coordination needs refining.
If you’d like to learn how to get the most out of your voice - with less effort and more impact - DM me and let’s talk.
