My Vocal Rehabilitation Journey

A Journey to Protecting and Preserving My Voice and Professional Signing Career

Hey there, fellow music enthusiasts and vocal aficionados! I want to share with you a deeply personal journey that has reshaped my understanding of vocal health, resilience, and the power of education. It's a story of facing a daunting challenge head-on and emerging stronger than ever.

The Beginning of a Troubling Chapter:

Several years ago, my life took an unexpected turn. As a singer with a demanding gig schedule, I found myself struggling to maintain the health of my voice. Each performance left my voice husky, and hitting high notes became an uphill battle. Despite my background in Jazz Singing and years of teaching experience, I was sure that my vocal technique wasn't the issue. A sense of urgency and concern washed over me as I contemplated the possibility of losing my ability to gig reguarly, which left me questioning my future livelihood.

A Desperate Plea for Assistance:

In search of answers and a glimmer of hope, I reached out to highly respected vocal teacher, Irene Bartlett. With bated breath, I underwent a vocal assessment, hoping for a breakthrough. To my relief, she quickly identified the root cause of my vocal troubles—inflamed vocal folds due to poor technique coupled with years of misinformation about performance and the voice. Suddenly, a ray of hope pierced through the dark clouds that had loomed over my musical journey.

A Commitment to Relearn and Grow:

Empowered by knowledge and guidance, I made a firm decision to embark on a transformative path. I enrolled in a Masters of Music Studies in Vocal Pedagogy, fully dedicating myself to relearning the fundamentals of singing. It was an arduous journey, filled with challenges and moments of self-doubt, but I knew it was a necessary step towards reclaiming my voice and protecting it for the long run.

The Steep Learning Curve:

Throughout my studies, I delved deep into the intricacies of voice science. I reacquainted myself with the art of proper breathing, alignment, body mapping, support, primal sound, projection, performance, and every nuance in between. It was a humbling experience to go back to the basics, but it was essential to build a strong foundation and prevent future vocal injuries. I persevered, even when the road seemed steep and winding, driven by a relentless passion for my craft.

The Journey from Struggle to Triumph:

As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, I began to witness a remarkable transformation unfold before my eyes. My voice grew stronger, my range expanded, and I regained the ability to hit those high notes with confidence. No longer was I at the mercy of vocal abuse; instead, I had developed a deep understanding of how to protect and nurture my vocal gift. I emerged from the shadows of doubt and uncertainty, stronger and more resilient than ever.

Becoming a Beacon of Hope:

But my journey didn't end there. Inspired by my own experience and armed with newfound knowledge, I felt a calling to share my story and help others facing similar challenges. Equipped with the tools to educate and guide aspiring singers, I became a beacon of hope in a world that often overlooks the importance of vocal health. My passion for preserving the well-being of voices burned brightly as I impart my wisdom and offer guidance to those on the brink of losing their own vocal abilities or struggling to maintain vocal longevity.

Investing in the Future:

In the end, the truth became crystal clear: our vocal folds are priceless treasures, delicate yet resilient. The care we invest in them today will yield immeasurable long-term benefits. So, I implore you to prioritise the well-being of your voice. Nurture it, protect it, and educate yourself on proper vocal technique. Let my journey be a testament to the transformative power of resilience, growth, and unwavering dedication.

As I sit here, reflecting on the challenges I've overcome, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to share my story with all of you. My journey to reclaiming my voice has been a testament to the indomitable spirit that resides within us all. It's a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we have the power to rise, reinvent ourselves, and emerge stronger than ever.