Soft-palate problems?? I suspect its your TONGUE!

All of us classical singers are very aware (or want to be!) of our soft palate. Obviously, it is essential for that world-wide standard timbre of “chiaro-scuro” and is also required in order to execute “bel canto” technique. And even pop, contemporary, country, MT- indeed ALL genres of singing require soft palate mobility to some degree and the singer’s ability to consciously control the soft palate.

So why do so many singer’s struggle with their soft palate after YEARS of formal training, anatomy, vocalises and intensive work?

Well- maybe its not a mental problem, its a MEDICAL issue!

It may surprise many singers to learn that their soft palate issues can be caused by an undiagnosed tongue tie. How could your tongue be limiting your soft palate? Well, because they are directly (literally, physically!) connected!

The most common kind of tongue tie that is missed is a sub-classification called “posterior tongue tie”. This basically means that the posterior or back portion of the tongue is prohibited from moving in isolation separate from the mandible (lower jaw). The tongue tie will in effect cement the tongue to the bottom jaw. So every time the jaw moves downward when the mouth is open, the tongue is forcibly dragged downwards with it.

But when a tongue-tied tongue descends, the soft palate is also dragged downwards…