Gemma Milburn is a contemporary vocal coach based in the UK, offering online sessions to clients worldwide. She specializes in helping adult singers overcome vocal tension, fatigue, and the challenges posed by conditions like tongue tie, providing tailored support to improve both technique and vocal health. Her personal experience with tongue tie has profoundly shaped her coaching practice. Having undergone Myofunctional Therapy and a tongue tie release herself, Gemma understands the unique difficulties singers face when tongue function is impaired. This journey has given her a deep empathy for her clients and inspired her to develop specialized techniques to help singers unlock their full potential. Gemma’s holistic approach addresses the whole singer, blending proven vocal techniques with insights into alignment, posture, and breath management. She is passionate about helping singers achieve resonance, flexibility, and stamina while reducing strain and tension, ensuring a sustainable and joyful singing experience. Whether you’re an experienced performer or just starting your vocal journey, Gemma’s adaptable methods empower singers to build confidence, overcome limitations, and rediscover the joy in their voice. www.gemmamilburn.com

I had no idea that I was working harder than everybody else  basically all the time. I think my perception of easy was skewed by this part of  my anatomy that was not as mobile as it should  have been. After the release, I just felt my tongue float up to the roof of my mouth like it was meant to be there. It was really cool.

Before I show you the exercises, I want to be clear that I’m showing them for entertainment and curiosity purposes. Please don’t copy me—contact a professional who can assess your unique situation and assign you appropriate exercises.

One thing I’ve learned is that myofunctional therapy is not just about the tongue. Some exercises are for the lips, face, and jaw. For example, many tongue-tied people mouth breathe because their tongues rest on the bottom of the mouth rather than the roof, leading to a weak mouth seal. This means some exercises target strengthening the lip and face muscles. My jaw was also quite restricted from compensating for my tongue, but it has improved. Now, let’s get into the exercises.

My focus on this is primarily to solve long-standing issues and insecurities with my voice. Since my full myofunctional assessment with Breathe First Speech and Myo in Manchester, I've learned a lot. Emily, the specialist, did a thorough assessment of my tongue, jaw, and body, including posture and chewing/swallowing patterns. She noted that I use compensatory muscles for swallowing, which impacts my singing flexibility. I've also learned about my narrow palate and restricted jaw motion, which could affect my ability to have tongue tie release surgery.

I've received a bit of skepticism. When I spoke to my dentist, he said he didn't... I think he was looking for an anterior tongue tie, which is fair because that is what, as a non-trained person, I (and I think most people) expect to see. He was uncertain and said he had heard the term "posterior tongue tie," but he didn't really believe that it was a thing. And that's okay; we're allowed to have our own belief systems.

I've had a consultation with one now and have been told ‘yes’ I have a tongue tie! My tongue is tied in the middle and posterior of it, so the front part is not tied, but the rest of it is basically. So it's really, really nice to be told, and that sounds a bit weird, but to be told for certain yes, you do have one. I now can make steps to get treatment.

If your tongue can't move as much as it's supposed to, it will cause some issues. As a singer, I'm curious about how my voice might change with treatment. I've always felt that singing is harder for me than it is for others. I can do bits, but when I have to join the bits together, it suddenly gets really hard. I'm joking that I'll be the next Whitney Houston after this!

I've also had random aches in my throat for about 15 years, which might be linked to the tongue tie. Additionally, I have an overbite and performance anxiety that might be related to this condition. I hope that by sharing my experience, I can help others who might be going through the same thing.