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As voice teachers, it’s important to be inclusive of all minority populations in our vocal studios and communities. I’m so excited to introduce Gender Affirming Voice Specialist Heather Gross to you to help us do just that.

Heather Gross is a vocal therapist and singing voice specialist who specializes in helping gender diverse professional voice users find a speaking and/or singing voice that aligns with their true identity.

The voice is such a personal part of all of our identities. Working on it can be a very vulnerable experience for anyone, which is why we as voice teachers have a responsibility to create a safe space for our clients to experiment, fail, try again as they explore and develop their voices.

In this episode

2:35 - What is one tip you would give voice teachers when working with gender diverse students? 

4:05 - What is your process for helping someone find their authentic voice?

7:04 - How do you incorporate tools from your work as a mindfulness and life coach in vocal training?

10:35 - How do you support a students who desires a sound that may not work for their instrument?

12:05 - What practice tips do you give students?

14:10 - How do you support your students through the emotional aspects of vocal training?

15:05 - Do you use a lot of the tools from Speech Pathology as a vocal coach?  

17:20 - 10 question speed round

Shifting our culture

Does this subject make you uncomfortable? Do you feel unsure about how to talk about it? This is most likely a sign that you need to educate yourself more on this topic.

This is a time to question our ideas about what we think gender looks like. Let’s let go of stereotypes, and take the time to look deeply at our own limiting beliefs that prevent us from living in a world where people are seen and treated as equals.

Creating a safe space for gender diverse singers and speakers in our voice studios will not only benefit all singers, but our entire society. By educating ourselves and those around us to be inclusive of underrepresented communities, we are helping to create a more inclusive culture where there is space for everyone to be their authentic selves.

Working with Heather gross

Heather hosts a transgender voice group once a month where she hosts diverse guests who present on topics that are helpful in the transgender community.

Heather is the owner of Live Vocally, which is a virtual voice studio. She is based in Pasadena, CA.

You can learn more about Heather and follow her on all of her social media outlets here:

Heather Gross, M.S. CCC-SLP, Singing Voice Specialist

instagram: @live_vocally

website: livevocally.com

Further resources:

There are many wonderful resources out there. Here a few to get you started.

CREATING GENDER LIBERATORY SINGING SPACES: A TRANSGENDER VOICE TEACHER’S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WORKING WITH TRANSGENDER SINGERS by Eli Conley

TRAN 101.  There are 4 videos in this series (each about 4 minutes). Start HERE.

All Your Questions About Gender-Neutral Pronouns Answered From grammar to what to do if you mess it up. http://www.teenvogue.com/story/they-them-questions-answered

Allyship 101 Transvivor is the transgender resource for all, helping trans people go from surviving to thriving.