Have you ever experienced that when you start your trans voice practice, it feels like you're going backwards instead of forwards? Trust me, you're not alone. I'm Renée, a gender-affirming voice teacher, and I've worked with countless trans voice students who have experienced this exact feeling. It can be confusing and discouraging, but fear not! In this blog post, I'll walk you through why this phenomenon occurs and why it's actually a sign of progress.

The Gap Between Perception and Control

So, here's the deal. When you start your trans voice training, your ability to hear and differentiate things like resonance, pitch, and vocal fold mass tends to improve faster than your ability to control those aspects. It's like your ears become super-powered, picking up on subtle details that were previously invisible to you. But your voice control is still catching up, and that's totally normal!

The Rollercoaster of Confidence

As your ears become more finely tuned, you start noticing characteristics and quirks in your voice that you never paid attention to before. It's like suddenly discovering a hidden world of sound. But guess what? This newfound awareness can make you doubt your progress and feel like you're going backwards. Don't worry, though—it's a good thing!

Embrace the Discomfort

Feeling like you're getting worse is actually a positive sign of growth. It means you're becoming more in tune with your voice and developing a discerning ear. In other words, your ear training is improving. Sure, it can be frustrating in the moment, but remember that progress is rarely a linear journey. It's more like a rollercoaster with thrilling ups and occasional downs. So, buckle up and embrace the discomfort because you're on the right track!

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

I know it's tough, but hang in there! As you keep practicing and honing your skills, your ability to control those newfound qualities will catch up with your perception. It's like a dance where perception leads the way, and control follows suit. And guess what? Your confidence will start soaring again as you continue to improve.

Conclusion

You're not alone if you feel like you're going backwards in your voice practice. It happens to everyone in the trans voice community! But remember, this feeling is a sign that you're making progress. Your ears are evolving faster than your voice control, which means you're becoming more attuned to the intricate details of your voice. Keep pushing forward, my friend! Trust the process, stay positive, and soon you'll find yourself on the other side, where your perception and control will harmonize beautifully.

For more practice tips and fantastic free resources, make sure to check out my freebies page. Happy voice training, and remember, you're doing amazing things!