Mastering Trans Voice Training: The 10-Minute Technique
Oct 09, 2023Hey there, folks! I hope you're all having a fantastic day. In the video above, I was on a little walk, and something crossed my mind that I wanted to share with you all. It's a little nugget of wisdom I picked up during my time in rehab for chronic pain, of all places. You see, one of the exercises they had us do every morning was walking the length of the gym for 10 minutes straight. But here's the kicker – we weren't just strolling idly; we were counting laps.
As I look back on that experience, it occurs to me that there's a valuable lesson in there for all of us, especially those embarking on the journey of trans voice practice. As you likely know, I'm a gender-affirming voice teacher, and I've had the privilege of working with countless individuals striving to create a voice they love, that aligns with their gender presentation, and that gives them gender euphoria - whether that voice feminization, masculinization, or voice beyond the binary.
Many of my students have shared a common challenge with me – they can achieve their desired voice for brief moments that fill them with gender euphoria; however, maintaining that voice throughout an entire day? Well, that's proven to be quite a difficult task.
And honestly, I get it. Going from 10 seconds of gender-affirming vocal perfection to a full eight hours (or however long your day may be) can feel overwhelming. It's like trying to run a marathon when you've only trained for a sprint. But fear not, my friends, because I have a practice technique that could make this daunting journey a lot more manageable.
Here's the trick: Choose a short, yet still somewhat challenging timeframe. It could be 10 minutes, maybe 15. During this period, your goal is to maintain your target voice consistently. Now, here's the important part – don't extend the duration every day. Instead, focus on becoming more efficient with each passing practice session.
Imagine you're back in that rehab gym, aiming to complete more laps within those same 10 minutes. In the context of voice practice, this efficiency boost translates to greater confidence. It's all about building a solid foundation before you attempt the vocal equivalent of a marathon.
So, here's your game plan: commit to this short practice routine for about two to three weeks, or even a month if you feel that's what you need. As you stick with it, you'll find yourself becoming increasingly proficient at maintaining your target voice within that set timeframe.
As your efficiency improves, so too will your confidence. And that's when you can start thinking about extending your practice time. But remember, there's no rush. Take it one step at a time, and celebrate each small victory along the way.
So, if you're struggling with your trans voice practice or have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out! We're all on this journey together, and your experiences and insights can help others facing similar challenges. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is the voice you love. Stay patient, keep practicing, and don't forget to enjoy the journey.