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Myofunctional therapy for singers: Strengthen your voice from the inside out

Whether you’re a professional singer, vocal coach, or both, you understand how much of your performance depends on more than just your vocal cords. Breath control, tension management, tongue flexibility, and posture all play silent—but powerful—roles in voice quality. When any of these systems are out of balance, you might notice vocal fatigue, reduced range, inconsistent tone, or even persistent tightness.

Myofunctional therapy for singers is gaining attention in the vocal world as a practical, evidence-informed approach to enhancing vocal health and performance. Originally developed to treat oral and facial muscle dysfunction, this therapy is now being integrated into the vocal training regimens of performers who want to strengthen their breathing, articulation, and resonance from the inside out.

This article breaks down the core benefits of myofunctional therapy specifically for singers and vocal coaches. We’ll explore how it complements traditional voice training, what the science currently shows, and how to know if it might be a missing piece in your own vocal journey.

What is myofunctional therapy?

Myofunctional therapy (or Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy—OMT for short) is a form of physical therapy that focuses on retraining the muscles of the face, tongue, mouth, and throat. These exercises are designed to improve how you breathe, chew, swallow—and for singers—how you speak and produce sound.

Why does this matter for vocalists? Because the same muscles involved in singing also help shape your tone, maintain breath support, and stabilise your larynx. When those muscles aren’t working well—due to habits like mouth breathing, tongue thrust, or tension from incorrect posture—it can throw your entire voice off balance.

In practice, myofunctional therapy for singers might involve:

  • Tongue strengthening and positioning drills
  • Breathing exercises to promote nasal airflow
  • Techniques to release or rebalance jaw and facial tension
  • Swallowing practice to reduce tongue thrust

For singers, the goal isn’t just therapeutic—it’s performance-driven: more control, less fatigue, clearer tone, and a more balanced instrument from the foundation up.

“Correcting mouth breathing can transform vocal efficiency.” How myofunctional therapy helps correct mouth breathing

Why singers are exploring myofunctional therapy

Vocalists are increasingly turning to myofunctional therapy because traditional vocal exercises often fail to address deeper physical patterns affecting the voice. Singers who struggle with chronic tightness, poor breath support, or inconsistent tone may find the root cause lies not in technique, but in muscle function.

For instance, if your tongue rests too low or pushes against your teeth, it can limit vocal freedom. If your jaw compensates for weak or imbalanced muscles, you may notice excessive tension. And if you habitually breathe through your mouth, you lose the stability and resonance that come from nasal breathing.

Myofunctional therapy addresses these foundational imbalances so singers can:

  • Improve tongue posture for better articulation and tone
  • Strengthen airway muscles to support breath and reduce fatigue
  • Release tension in the jaw, lips, and face that may interfere with phonation

“Improved tongue posture boosts speech clarity and vocal tone.” Tongue posture, function & speech clarity

Key benefits of myofunctional therapy for singers

Improved breathing and airflow control

Airflow is the engine of the voice. For singers, every phrase, crescendo, and sustained note depends on breath support. Myofunctional therapy improves nasal breathing by strengthening the tongue, soft palate, and throat muscles that control your airway.

This is especially relevant for singers who experience breathiness or run out of air too quickly. A stronger, more coordinated tongue can help keep the airway open and reduce reliance on mouth breathing (Felício et al., 2018, https://doi.org/10.2147/nss.s141132).

“Nasal breathing improves tone, stamina, and vocal control.” In-depth review of Myotape for nasal breathing

Reduced vocal fatigue and tension

If you finish gigs or rehearsals feeling vocally drained, you’re not alone. Many singers unknowingly use excessive muscle tension to produce sound, especially when compensating for weak or imbalanced structures.

OMT helps retrain these patterns. A study on singers with muscle tension dysphonia and tongue-tie showed that combining myofunctional therapy with lingual frenuloplasty significantly reduced symptoms of tension and fatigue (Summersgill et al., 2023, https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.2023.49.1.1).

“Manual therapy helps release vocal tension and TMJ strain.” Manual therapy for voice, swallowing, and TMJ

Enhanced vocal resonance and projection

Resonance is shaped by the configuration of your mouth, throat, and tongue. When these structures are balanced and flexible, sound waves amplify naturally. Poor tongue posture or jaw tension can reduce this resonance, leading to a muffled or nasal tone.

Myofunctional therapy works to restore symmetry and muscle tone in these key areas, helping singers project more freely (Ray, 2002, https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.2002.28.1.3).

Articulatory precision and clarity

Clear diction is essential for lyrical storytelling and style. OMT supports better articulation by improving the way the tongue and lips coordinate. This is especially useful for singers navigating fast passages or tricky consonants.

Improved articulatory precision has been observed in patients undergoing myofunctional therapy for dysarthria (Ray, 2003, https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.2003.29.1.1), suggesting real-world vocal benefits.

Vocal range and vibrato control

Some vocal limitations are not due to skill but to restricted movement. For instance, ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) can prevent full range of motion, affecting vibrato, pitch control, and tone. Addressing tongue mobility and posture with OMT can help unlock range and improve vibrato quality (Mokhtari et al., 2023, https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.2023.49.1.1).

“Many singers are unaware of tongue-tie’s effect on their voice.” Jaw pain, TMJ disorder and restricted mobility

How to explore myofunctional therapy as a singer

Starting with OMT doesn’t require an overhaul of your current vocal practice. Begin by simply observing your habits:

  • Do you breathe through your mouth while resting or singing?
  • Does your tongue rest low or push against your teeth?
  • Do you experience fatigue, tension, or articulation issues after singing?

If you answered yes to any of these, you might benefit from a functional assessment. A trained OMT professional can help evaluate whether specific patterns are contributing to your vocal limitations. From there, you’ll be offered gentle, guided exercises to support muscle balance and improved function. You can often integrate these into your regular vocal routine.

Think of it as upgrading the foundations your voice relies on—so your artistry can flourish, freely and sustainably.

“Myofunctional therapy for singers strengthens the entire vocal instrument—not just the voice box.” Myofunctional therapy benefits

Mechanisms behind the benefits

Neural changes in vocal function

Emerging research suggests that myofunctional therapy may positively affect how the brain coordinates orofacial movement. In a 2019 study using resting-state fMRI, Han et al. observed changes in the functional connectivity of brain regions responsible for facial motor control after OMT, with implications for improved sensorimotor integration during tasks like speaking and breathing (https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2019.00614). For singers, this could enhance neuromuscular coordination and fine control during performance.

Although more singer-specific studies are needed, this research supports the idea that OMT doesn’t just improve muscle tone—it helps recalibrate the brain-body connection essential for voice.

Biomechanical shifts in the vocal tract

The muscles trained in OMT directly influence vocal tract configuration. Weakness or imbalance in the tongue, jaw, or soft palate alters airway shape, leading to inefficient phonation. By restoring proper resting posture and function, OMT can help singers reduce compensatory behaviours that lead to tension and fatigue.

Mozzanica et al. (2020) found significant improvements in oral function and muscular strength after targeted orofacial rehabilitation, which has direct relevance for singers aiming to improve breath control and tone (https://doi.org/10.1159/000510908).

OMT, especially when combined with semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (SOVTE), may also promote efficient airflow and reduce strain in cases of hyperfunctional voice use (Borrero et al., 2024, https://doi.org/10.70082/esiculture.vi.1436).

“Explore the unique synergy between SVT and myofunctional therapy.” The marvellous benefits of humming

Tongue posture’s effect on voice

The resting posture of the tongue influences not just speech clarity, but vocal resonance and breath support. A properly elevated tongue supports nasal breathing, helps balance intraoral pressure, and prevents overuse of compensatory muscles.

In one foundational study, Santos et al. (1993) linked improved tongue posture with clearer articulation and reduced distortions in speech (https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.1993.19.1.2). These findings are echoed in voice training circles, where tongue position is a core aspect of efficient technique.

“Posture isn’t just about your spine—it starts with your tongue.” Tongue posture and speech clarity

Integration with traditional voice training

Myofunctional therapy isn’t a replacement for singing lessons—it’s a complement. Think of it as pre-conditioning your instrument so it responds more fluidly during vocal work. When singers combine OMT with existing warm-ups, breath training, and technique drills, they often report faster gains and fewer setbacks.

Park (2024) documented enhanced voice rehabilitation outcomes when OMT was combined with traditional therapies like LSVT, especially in individuals recovering from dysphonia (https://doi.org/10.54441/jnn.2024.4.2.147).

Voice coaches may find OMT particularly useful for clients with recurring tension, shallow breathing, or articulation issues that don’t respond to technical instruction alone.

Who can benefit the most?

Myofunctional therapy may be particularly beneficial for:

  • Singers with chronic vocal fatigue – Especially those who feel tension or tightness during or after performances.
  • Performers with restricted range or breath support – Often linked to airway obstruction or poor postural habits.
  • Teachers and public speakers – Who use their voice intensively and experience hoarseness or instability.
  • Children or teens training in voice – Particularly those who exhibit mouth breathing, tongue thrust, or speech articulation issues.
  • Voice coaches – Wanting to understand physical vocal function at a deeper level.

“Understanding the link between airway health and fatigue is essential.” Sleep disorders & sleep-disordered breathing

Realistic expectations and research gaps

While myofunctional therapy holds promise for vocal professionals, it’s important to set realistic expectations:

  • Results vary – Depending on factors like consistency, severity of dysfunction, and whether therapy is guided by a trained professional.
  • Therapy is not a quick fix – Gains are typically observed over weeks or months of practice.
  • Not a substitute for vocal technique – It enhances the physical foundation for singing, but artistry still requires technical training.

There’s growing evidence of benefit in related conditions like muscle tension dysphonia, obstructive sleep apnoea, and speech disorders. However, large-scale studies on singers are still emerging. Vocalists and coaches using OMT should treat it as an adjunct—not a replacement—for structured vocal development.

FAQ

Whether you’re new to myofunctional therapy or considering how it fits into a singer’s training routine, the following questions address the most common concerns from both performers and vocal coaches. These practical answers are designed to help you decide if this approach might support your vocal goals.

Can myofunctional therapy improve my singing range?

Yes, indirectly. Myofunctional therapy doesn’t teach you how to sing higher or lower notes, but it can improve the physical function of the muscles that shape your vocal tract. By reducing tension in the jaw and tongue, increasing mobility, and improving posture, singers often find it easier to access their full vocal range with less strain. These changes can make your vocal transitions smoother and more reliable, particularly when singing across registers.

Is myofunctional therapy just for people with tongue-tie or TMJ problems?

No. While many people seek therapy for those specific issues, anyone who uses their voice intensively can benefit. Myofunctional therapy addresses a wide range of functional patterns—such as poor tongue posture, mouth breathing, or muscle compensation—that may subtly hinder vocal performance. Even without a clinical diagnosis, many singers notice greater ease, clarity, and breath efficiency from incorporating OMT.

How soon will I notice changes?

Results can vary, but many singers begin noticing subtle improvements—such as clearer tone, better breath support, or less jaw tension—within 2 to 4 weeks of consistent daily practice. More noticeable transformations, especially related to endurance or range, may take several months of ongoing work. Like any form of training, regularity and precision matter.

Can I do myofunctional therapy on my own?

Some foundational exercises and awareness techniques can be learned independently, such as nasal breathing and tongue posture. However, for best results, working with a qualified therapist is recommended. A specialist can assess your individual patterns, design a tailored exercise plan, and make adjustments to ensure you’re building function safely and effectively.

Does it replace singing lessons?

Not at all. Myofunctional therapy supports the physical foundations of your voice, but it doesn’t teach musicality, interpretation, or vocal technique. It’s best viewed as a complementary practice—like yoga or breathwork—that enhances what your voice teacher is already helping you develop.

The combination of good technique and functional efficiency is where the real power lies. or considering how it fits into a singer’s training routine, the following questions address the most common concerns from both performers and vocal coaches. These practical answers are designed to help you decide if this approach might support your vocal goals.

References

Picture of Emily Kirkcaldy

Emily Kirkcaldy

Emily is the Owner and Lead Clinician at Breathe First with over 20 years of experience as a Speech and Language Therapist, dedicating the last 5 years to Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders and breath Re-Education. Emily is a certified myofunctional therapist, specializing in improving oral function and breathing techniques.With a passion for helping people achieve optimal health through myofunctional therapy, she focuses on exercises that enhance tongue posture, speech clarity, and breathing patterns. Emily combines her expertise with a patient-centered approach, offering tailored therapies for individuals with sleep apnea, speech issues, and oral-facial muscle dysfunction. She is dedicated to educating the public on the importance of proper oral health and functional breathing.
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