As a gender-affirming voice teacher, I have encountered numerous students on their trans voice practice journey. Throughout my teaching experience, I have learned some essential lessons on what not to do when helping my students find their authentic voices. In this blog post, I want to share three crucial things I would never do in my trans voice practice. These principles are designed to promote a healthy, patient, and celebratory learning environment for every student.

1. Avoid Setting Unreasonable Goals

When starting the journey to find a voice that gives you gender euphoria, it is common for students to underestimate the time and effort required to achieve significant results. It is crucial for both teachers and students to recognize that this process takes time, patience, and self-compassion. While some changes may be noticeable within the first few months, the most significant transformations occur gradually over the years.

To avoid disappointment and discouragement, I encourage my students not to set unrealistic time goals. Comparing yourself to others or expecting rapid progress can hinder your growth. Instead, focus on consistent practice, self-care, and acknowledging the small milestones achieved along the way.

2. Embrace Breaks and Rest

It's easy to fall into the trap of non-stop practice, believing that more time invested will yield faster results. However, our brains need time to process and consolidate what we learn during practice sessions. Quality practice with regular breaks can be more effective than long, exhaustive sessions without rest.

Just like in music practice, taking breaks allows the brain to form new neural connections and refine skills subconsciously. So, it's essential for trans voice practitioners to prioritize rest as much as they do practice. Remember, progress is a marathon, not a sprint.

3. Recording Progress Examples

Voice dysphoria can be distressing, leading some individuals to avoid listening to their recorded voices altogether. However, recording your progress at various intervals can be an invaluable tool for tracking improvement. It enables you to objectively observe the changes in your voice over time.

Though it might be challenging at first, try recording yourself at the beginning of your journey and then periodically throughout. These progress examples serve as tangible evidence of your growth, providing motivation and encouragement when you encounter obstacles.

Bonus: Celebrate Your Improvements

Every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. Acknowledge and appreciate the improvements you make in your trans voice practice. Embrace the journey and take pride in your progress, no matter how far along you are. Celebrate your efforts, and let self-encouragement fuel your determination to keep going.

Conclusion:

As a trans voice teacher, I firmly believe in fostering a supportive and empowering environment for my students. Avoiding these three pitfalls - setting unreasonable goals, neglecting breaks and rest, and avoiding recording progress examples - will contribute to a more positive and effective learning experience. Remember, the journey to finding your true voice is unique and filled with small but significant victories. Stay patient, be kind to yourself, and celebrate your growth along the way. Happy practicing!