Dec 4

Dec 4 I got invited to speak on the "Your Voice Unlocked' podcast about tongue ties and singing.

How Does Having a Tongue Tie affect singing?

Finding My Voice Again: A Journey of Rediscovery and Resilience

When Rebecca Keogh invited me to appear on Your Voice Unlocked, I was excited to share my journey as a vocal coach and my deep interest in the impact of tongue ties on vocal performance. But as we began the conversation, I found myself reflecting on a broader, more personal story: my own complicated relationship with my voice and how it shaped the work I do today.

A Love for Singing and a Rocky Relationship with My Voice

As a child, I loved to sing. It felt natural, joyful, and freeing. But as I grew older, my voice became unpredictable. It would tire quickly, and I began experiencing severe performance anxiety—hyperventilating during performances despite perfect rehearsals. Singing, which once felt effortless, became a source of frustration and self-doubt.

I sought help but struggled to find guidance that addressed my unique challenges. This lack of support pushed me to study the voice deeply, exploring vocal technique, anatomy, and psychology. Becoming a vocal coach allowed me to stay connected to singing without the pressure of performing, which, at that time, felt unsafe.

Walking Away and Coming Back

There was a period of about four years where I didn’t sing at all. It wasn’t a conscious decision to quit; it just happened. I finished university, and my voice felt so unreliable that I convinced myself my singing ability was something I had “grown out of,” like a childhood talent left behind.

Looking back, I realise I was angry and deeply frustrated. Singing was part of who I was, but I felt I couldn’t trust my voice anymore. It was easier to push it away than face the disappointment.

Eventually, though, the pull to sing became too strong to ignore. When I moved to London, I decided to give it one more try. I thought, If there’s anyone who can help me, they’re bound to be in London.

The Power of Understanding

I started researching and found resources that described my vocal issues in a way that finally made sense. Booking a lesson with a knowledgeable teacher marked a turning point. For the first time, I understood the mechanics of my voice—why it was behaving the way it was and what I could do to address it.

This understanding felt empowering. Each new tool or technique unlocked something in my voice that I thought I had lost. It was like discovering a map back to myself.

Helping Others Unlock Their Voices

This experience shaped how I work with singers today. Many of my clients come to me feeling stuck—perhaps their voice tires too quickly, their range feels limited, or they’re battling a lack of confidence. I love helping them rediscover their voices, just as I did.

There’s a moment I see in nearly every first lesson: the “aha” moment. A singer tells me they can’t hit a certain note, and I give them a tool or technique to try. Suddenly, the note is there, effortlessly. Watching their faces light up as they realize their potential never gets old.

To me, that’s the magic of vocal coaching. The voice is always there; it’s just about finding the right tools to access it. And sometimes, it’s about offering the reassurance that their struggles are not a personal failing—they’re part of the journey, one that can lead to incredible growth.

A Message for Those Struggling

If you’re a singer feeling disconnected from your voice, know that you’re not alone. Your voice is an integral part of you, and with the right guidance, it can be rediscovered and nurtured. Whether you’re dealing with physical challenges like tongue ties or the emotional toll of performance anxiety, there’s a way forward.

For me, finding my voice again wasn’t just about singing—it was about reclaiming a part of myself I thought I’d lost. And that’s something I aim to help every singer achieve.

Unlocking the Magic of Singing: Why It’s Not Just Talent That Matters

There’s something undeniably magical about singing. It’s a form of expression that feels deeply connected to who we are. But for many of us, this magic is surrounded by a frustrating myth: the idea that you either “have it” or you don’t.

In my journey as both a singer and vocal coach, I’ve come to learn that while talent may give some singers a head start, the ability to sing well isn’t reserved for the chosen few. Singing is as much a skill as it is an art, and with the right guidance, tools, and dedication, anyone can improve their voice.

Shifting the Mindset: Singing Is a Learnable Skill

I vividly remember lessons with past singing teachers who, when faced with a note I couldn’t hit or a phrase I couldn’t master, offered little more than a shrug or a vague critique. One teacher even asked me, “Why can’t you do that?” I thought, Isn’t that why I’m here? To figure it out?

It wasn’t until I worked with a coach who provided practical tools that I realized the truth: singing isn’t about being “good” or “bad.” The challenges I faced weren’t personal failings—they were common, recognisable issues that could be addressed with training and technique.

That realisation was transformative. It was like a door opening to a world where progress was possible, where I could actively work on my voice and see measurable results. It felt magical—not because it was effortless, but because I discovered the tools to unlock something I thought was beyond my reach.

The Flexible Instrument: Your Voice Can Be Trained

While some people are born with physical advantages that make singing feel easier—like favorable vocal mechanics—it’s important to remember that the voice is a flexible, trainable instrument. Just like a gymnast develops strength and flexibility through practice, singers can train their vocal “muscles” to achieve things they never thought possible.

In fact, I often tell my clients that singers who work hard tend to surpass those who rely solely on natural talent. Why? Because effort builds resilience and a toolkit of solutions. Talent might get you through easy times, but when challenges arise—like vocal fatigue or an unfamiliar song—it’s the singers with training who know how to adapt and overcome.

Discovering My Tongue Tie: A Hidden Challenge

This journey of unlocking my voice took an unexpected turn when I discovered I had a tongue tie. The revelation came during a voice retreat in Spain. My coach, fresh from a workshop on tongue ties, had an “aha” moment as she observed my singing.

A tongue tie occurs when the tongue, instead of fully separating from the floor of the mouth during development in the womb, remains partially tethered. This limits the mobility of the tongue, which can affect speech, singing, and even breathing.

This insight sent me down a rabbit hole of research, and I soon learned that tongue ties can run in families. A conversation with my mother revealed that my brother had been diagnosed as tongue-tied at birth, connecting the dots to my own experiences.

The Power of Practical Tools and Knowledge

Reflecting on my journey, I see a recurring theme: the magic of singing isn’t just in the sound—it’s in the process of unlocking it. Whether it’s discovering a hidden physical challenge like a tongue tie or learning a technique to access a difficult note, progress comes from combining curiosity, knowledge, and effort.

If you’re a singer feeling stuck, I encourage you to remember that challenges don’t define your potential. Your voice is unique, and with the right tools and support, you can unlock its full potential. That’s where the real magic lies—not in being born with a “perfect” voice, but in the transformative power of learning to use it.

If you’d like to hear more about my journey, including my thoughts on tongue ties and their impact on vocal performance, check out my conversation on Your Voice Unlocked. Singing truly is magical—and with the right mindset, that magic is available to all of us..