Topmusicanswers
Jaw pain from performing might seem normal, but it's actually a warning sign. It's true that you're working your jaw hard during a performance, but your jaw should be able to handle it without significant soreness. If it can't it's likely that there's a problem, which could be TMJ.
Why does my jaw hurt singing?
If there is tension in the jaw, there could also be some tension in your voice too - It all correlates. When the jaw is tense this tension is transferred to the tongue muscles, the hyoid bone, your resonators and to the larynx (your voice box) which affects the quality of your singing.
Do singers get TMJ?
You may suffer from more than one of these conditions at the same time. Any musician could be affected by TMJ disorders, but violists, violinists, wind instrumentalists, and singers, seem to be more susceptible due to the stress they put on the TMJ.
What is jaw tension in singing?
Jaw tension is often a problem for singers. When there is tension in the mandible (jaw) there generally is a corresponding rigidity in the tongue muscles, which subsequently is transferred to the level of the larynx. Exercises to reduce jaw tension are a part of most vocal pedagogies.
