Finding Your Voice: A Guide to Starting Your Trans Voice Training Journey
Mar 15, 2024Welcome, friends! Today, we're answering a question that I get asked in every single TikTok Live that I do, "I'm newly out as trans, where do I start on my voice training journey?"
1. Embracing Your Unique Voice Path
In my last TikTok live, a user named LunarOracleUWU shared that she was newly out and anxious about starting her voice training. Her vulnerability and courage struck a chord with me, reminding me why this work matters. Like LunarOracleUWU, you're not just embarking on a voice training journey; you're embarking on a quest for authenticity. And that, my friend, is a beautiful thing.
The First Step: Listening and Learning
Beyond Binary Voice Qualities
Voice is a spectrum—rich, diverse, and infinitely variable. It's not confined to "male" or "female," "high" or "low." It's a reflection of your soul, your personality, and your identity. Let's move beyond the binary and embrace the full, beautiful spectrum of voice.
The Power of Observation
When I first started my own voice journey, I was a sponge, absorbing every sound, tone, and inflection I encountered. I listened to people around me, celebrities, characters in movies, and even voices in animated shows. Each voice had something unique, something that made it sing. I encourage you to do the same. Listen. Observe. What voices pull at your heartstrings? Which ones spark a flicker of recognition, a sense of, "Yes, that's me"?
Crafting Your Voice Vision Board
Think of this stage as creating a voice vision board. Collect voices that inspire you, voices that resonate with the person you know yourself to be. This board isn't just a collection; it's a mosaic of possibilities, a guiding light for your journey ahead.
2. Discovering Your Vocal Instrument
Before you can play any instrument beautifully, you need to understand how it works. Your voice is no different.
Warm-Ups as a Foundation
In the early days of my training, I realized the magic of warm-ups. Simple exercises—humming, scales, even playful sounds like animal noises—can unlock parts of your voice you never knew existed. These warm-ups aren't just exercises; they're keys to unlocking your voice's potential. I have created a free follow-along warm-up series that you can access here!
Fostering a Connection with Your Voice
This initial stage is less about achieving a specific sound and more about building a relationship with your voice. It's about exploration, discovery, and, most importantly, fun. Your voice is an instrument of incredible versatility and beauty. Learn to love it, understand it, and play it with joy.
3. Constructing Your Personal Voice Training Plan
Now that you've explored and understood your instrument a bit better, it's time to start practicing!
Initiating with Warm-Ups
Starting with warm-ups, you'll develop not just the control but the confidence to experiment with your voice. These exercises lay the foundation for everything that follows, ensuring you're building on solid ground.
The Iterative Process of Learning
Voice training is a journey of iteration. You'll listen, learn, practice, and then listen some more. Each step builds upon the last, deepening your understanding and refining your voice. It's a dance between learning and doing, and with each step, you'll find yourself closer to the voice that feels like home.
Personalizing Your Voice Training
Your voice vision board becomes your roadmap. From it, you'll draw inspiration, set goals, and begin the work of shaping your voice. This is your journey, unique and personal. Let your inspirations guide you, but let your intuition lead.
If you're unsure where to go from here, check out one of my courses!
Seeking Community and Support
Remember, you're not alone on this journey. Join me on TikTok Live for Trans Voice Chat sessions, where we dive deep into the joys and challenges of voice training. Here, you'll find a community of fellow travelers, each on their own path but walking alongside you.
Wrap-Up
Starting your voice training journey is a bold step towards living authentically. It's a path of discovery, growth, and, ultimately, joy. Embrace the journey with an open heart and a spirit of adventure. Your voice is waiting to be heard, and I can't wait to hear it.
Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step—or in this case, a single note. Let it ring out, clear and true, the first note of your own unique song.
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Through this article, I hope to have given you not just a map but a compass for your journey. Voice training is more than changing how you sound; it's about finding and embracing new facets of yourself. So take that first step with confidence, knowing that it leads to a place of authenticity, acceptance, and profound joy.