FAQ

Are you a registered speech and language therapist?

No I am a vocal coach. But unlike most people providing 1 to 1 voice training for trans people, I am transgender and have been through this journey with my own voice. I am also a classically trained musician and see training the voice as very much like learning an instrument. First you learn the fundamental skills and build the muscle strength and memory, which is where speech and language specialists excel. And is where many people are left by clinics, still unhappy with their progress. Because then you need to learn how to express yourself. That’s where many of the best musicians start to explore their “sound” with the help of a mentor who has been there before, and that is what I will be for you.

Will I ever be able to “pass” with my voice?

In my opinion, everyone is capable of a voice that “passes” if that is what they desire (and it is also absolutely valid to not want that). For some people its a longer and more challenging process than others, but it’s always possible. It’s not about reaching specific goals of pitch or resonance, although those help, it comes from having confidence and authenticity in your expression.

Can you teach me to raise the pitch or improve the tone of my voice?

Yes I can. I know many exercises that helped me in my journey and am able to share them with you. For this sort of work you will need the 1 to 1 Private Sessions.

Can you start feminising your voice before hormones?

Yes. Hormones do very little for the voice anyway and voice work is a very good place to be able to get significant changes pre or without hormone treatment.

Can you make me sound like … ?

I will help you to sound like you. Usually this will involve starting with a voice like a celebrity that we can get recordings of and we can discuss what qualities of that voice feel right to you. Then we can tailor your progress towards bringing those out in a way that is unique and authentic to you.

Is it possible to feminise my voice and still use my old voice in day to day situations?

Mostly yes. We can work on technique, skills and muscle development to provide you with the tools that you will eventually use for your feminine voice. This process can take up to a year, and will be slower if you are using your old voice day to day but is still very possible and indeed a common approach. Ultimately, making it your own unique and natural voice will only happen when you are able to use it full time and get used to how it feels and sounds.

Can you listen to my voice and tell me what I can do to improve?

Yes of course, this is a very popular service I provide, an expert second opinion on your voice. Please use the form on the home page and request a vocal assessment and we can go from there. There’s no further commitment and I can give you honest feedback.

Will feminising my voice damage it permanently?

No it will not. And I say that as someone who has done it and uses their voice all day every day. It is normal to be tired when working on it, and the wrong exercises can be quite harmful if done long term. So please only use techniques from reputable sources.

I’ve been working on my voice for a while and have stopped making progress, can you help?

This is the main service I provide. Usually a stop in progress comes from either reaching the limits of the techniques you’ve been using or becoming overwhelmed with the journey. My ongoing mentoring sessions are focussed on identifying your goals, honestly assessing your progress, and coming up with solutions of what to do next.

My voice coach says that I’m good enough but I’m not happy with my voice yet. I'm afraid to go full-time, can you help?

Unfortunately this is very common. A lot of voice coaches and speech therapists do not understand what it is like for us to build the confidence and connection to use our voice full time. Having been there and done it myself, I can work with you to find out what your challenges and barriers are and how to overcome them.

How long will it take to “pass”/be happy with my voice?

I wish it was an easy answer but it’s different for everyone. You can learn most of the skills within 6-12 months. Many people will be able to “pass” in most situations within that time if they do enough practice, but getting to the point that your voice is natural and you’re happy with it will most likely take a few years. That’s why I have my ongoing Mentoring sessions to work with you as you adapt into life with your new voice.

Can you teach me a non-binary, androgynous or masculine voice?

I am focussing on femme voices at the moment as that is where I have the most experience. If you are looking to transition from a masculine presenting voice to a more androgynous one then I might be able to help so book an Introductory Consultation. Other services will come soon when I’ve had a chance to do further research and build my knowledge of techniques in those areas.

Do you work with children?

I work with adults and young adults. I encourage people younger than that to seek the assistance of a trained and registered speech and language therapist.

Can you teach me how to sing with a feminine voice?

Although my primary focus is on speaking voice, I can also teach you techniques which both carry over to and are specifically focussed on singing.