Hey there, fabulous voice explorers! Today, I’m tackling a question that pops up quite often in our community: "How do I avoid the T voice after starting testosterone?" One of my students asked this, and it's such an important topic that I’ve dedicated a whole TikTok to it. But let's dive deeper here!

What is the T Voice?

The “T voice” refers to that buzzy, strained sound some people get when their vocal folds thicken but don’t quite lengthen after starting testosterone. It’s not inherently a bad thing—some folks actually like this sound—but if it's not what you’re aiming for, there are ways to mitigate it.

Why Does It Happen?

There are a few reasons why the T voice might happen:

1. Vocal Fold Changes: Testosterone causes the vocal folds to thicken, and ideally, they also lengthen, resulting in a deeper voice. However, if they thicken without lengthening much, you can end up with a buzzy sound that isn’t significantly deeper.
2. Age Factor: Starting T later in life can sometimes mean you’re more likely to get this sound, though this isn’t a guarantee. Many people start T later and achieve a deeper, richer voice.
3. Old Voice Pathways: Your brain has mapped out pathways for your old voice, and these pathways don’t automatically update when your instrument (voice box) changes. You might be straining because you're using old techniques on a new setup.

Steps to Avoid the T Voice

1. Warm Up Daily: I cannot stress this enough—warm up those vocal cords every single day. It’s a hill I’m willing to die on because it’s that crucial. Consistent warming up helps your voice adjust to its new structure and function. I have a free follow-along warm-up that you can find here!
2. Retrain Your Brain: You need to create new neural pathways for your new voice. This means learning where your new low and high notes are and practicing those ranges.
3. Relax and Open Up: Instead of straining, aim for a relaxed, open sound. Practice descending scales to find and become comfortable with your new vocal bottom.

Practical Exercises

• Daily Warm-Ups: Gentle humming, lip trills, and sirens (starting from high notes and sliding to low notes) can help loosen your muscles and prepare your vocal cords. Warm up with me here.
• Descending Scales: Start from the top of your range and slowly glide down to your lowest comfortable note. This helps you map out your new vocal range and get used to using it.
• Breathing Exercises: Deep, diaphragmatic breathing supports a relaxed voice. Practice breathing from your belly, not your chest.

Conclusion

Avoiding the T voice is all about being proactive with your vocal health and retraining your brain to understand your new instrument. With consistent practice, patience, and the right techniques, you can achieve a deeper, richer voice that feels natural and relaxed. Remember, your voice is a powerful tool, and honing it is a journey worth embarking on. Keep at it, and don’t forget to warm up!