Pump Up Your Tongue!
04/09/2023
Last blog post, I shared with you an exercise to test whether your tongue is holding excess tension – Click here to take the test.
In this blog post, I’m sharing 3 experiments to test whether your tongue is strong enough. Because as with many things in the wondrous world of voice, balance is in order: Too much tension is detrimental, but too little too!
Having a strong tongue is essential for you as a singer. It directly impacts your articulation, breathing, overall vocal control and even your general health and wellbeing.
When your tongue is in good shape, you’ll have control over your diction and resonance; and reduce strain on your voice. It also helps a great deal in managing your breath and allows for your voice to be agile and expressive.
I currently offer 3 webinars on the tongue in The singsing! Sofa Library:
Here are a few experiments to check whether your tongue is strong enough or if she needs to go to the gym:
Press & Release
- Place the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, right behind your front teeth. This spot is known as the alveolar ridge.
- Apply firm pressure with your tongue against the roof of your mouth – Hold this pressure for 5-10 seconds.
- Release and relax your tongue.
- Do this 5 times in a row.
If you can maintain firm pressure 5 times for the full 10 seconds without your tongue getting tired or shaking, congratulations! Your tongue is likely strong.
If you struggle to maintain the pressure, feel fatigue quickly, or your tongue starts shaking, this indicates that your tongue may need strengthening.
Nose-to-Chin
- Stick out your tongue and try to touch the tip of your nose.
- Then, without retracting your tongue, try to touch your chin.
A strong and flexible tongue should be able to move in both directions with ease. If you struggle to reach either point or feel strain, it might indicate that your tongue could benefit from strengthening exercises.
Protrusion & Retraction
- Extend your tongue out of your mouth as far as possible (protrusion).
- Then, pull it back as far as possible into your mouth (retraction).
- Repeat this process 10 times, focusing on smooth and controlled movements.
Pay attention to whether you can extend and retract your tongue fully without fatigue or loss of control. A strong tongue should be able to perform this exercise smoothly and repeatedly without shaking or tiring.
Don’t be sad if these assesments tell you that your tongue is too weak! You’re very welcome to these three webinars:
Do you want to make your tongue stronger with myofunctional exercises for the lips, soft palate, jaw and tongue – for people with ànd without tongue ties?
Subscribe to the Library, watch the webinar The Tongue, Lips & Jaw Gym, led by myofunctional therapist Emily Kirkcaldy and exercise your lips, soft palate, jaw and tongue in function of optimal oral tone, tongue posture and breathing!
Gemma Milburn - UK based Singer and Vocal Coach - Takes voice lessons with Sarah Algoet and has completed Myofunctional Therapy with Emily Kirkcaldy
Do you want to learn much more about tongue ties? Are you eager to do the self-assesment routine and identify whether you have restricted tongue mobility or even a tongue tie?
Subscribe to the Library, watch the webinar Tongue Tie in Singers led by myofunctional specialist Jessica Luffey and don’t let a hidden condition hold back your singing!
Do you want to release tension in your tongue, jaw and around your larynx?
Subscribe to The singsing! Sofa Library, watch the webinar Releasing the Larynx, Tongue & Jaw, and enjoy the benefits of stretching muscles you might’ve never heard of!
I couldn’t resist sharing these inspirational beauties with you…
As always, feel free to send me your thoughts, questions, and feedback in the comments below this blog, via the contact form or in the singsing! online community 
Cordially,
Sarah