Hey there, it's me, Renée – your gender-affirming voice teacher! Let's talk about a tool that has both been my ally and my nemesis on my voice training journey – the mirror!

You know, I totally get it when Rein asks, "I've been practicing voice training (ftm), but every time I try to go deeper, I end up with a double chin. Is that normal? Can I get rid of it?"

First off, let me say that I'm all for embracing double chins – they're adorable and fantastic! But if you're tucking that chin every time you try to lower your pitch, you might be doing more harm than good.

I've seen this is many trans voice training students, as well as singing students! Whether you're trying to figure out "How do I feminize my voice?" or "How do I make my voice more masculine?" or anything in between, learning to control your voice independently from your body movements is key. But when you're first starting out on your trans voice training journey, it's very normal to have those two things connected.

But here's the thing – the key to nailing that voice training is getting your posture right. Trust me; it makes a world of difference! Instead of compressing your vocal folds with all that tucking and reaching, a relaxed and steady posture is the way to go.

Use the mirror for direct feedback

Picture this: you're in front of the mirror, practicing your voice. You notice that chin action again – don't worry, it happens! The trick is to catch yourself in the act and gently bring yourself back to a neutral position.

It takes time, though. Believe me, you won't transform overnight. But with some practice and patience, maintaining a relaxed posture will become second nature to you.

Now, I know mirrors can sometimes stir up gender dysphoria for some folks, and that's okay. Your mental health is essential, and you should never feel pressured to use a mirror if it doesn't feel right. There are alternatives!

For instance, try using a webcam placed off-center so you don't have to make eye contact with yourself. Or you could use a plate glass window – the reflection is less clear, and it might be more comfortable for you.

Remember, this journey is about finding a voice that gives you gender euphoria while also taking care of your well-being. So, be kind to yourself and do what feels right for you!

And guess what? I'm here for you! If you have any questions about your trans voice practice, drop them in my comments on Instagram or TikTok and I'll make a video reply to you! You can also jump into into of my trans voice courses whenever you're feeling ready to dive deeper.

Keep practicing, keep growing, and don't forget to celebrate every small victory along the way. You've got this – your voice is waiting to be heard, and it's going to be incredible!