Finding My Voice: Overcoming Vocal Trauma Through Vocal Training & Self-Discovery
Since I was a child, I always knew I was destined to be a singer. At just 5 years old, I would fill our living room with improvised ballads—soulful narratives of lost love and bluesy tales that came straight from my imagination. I never felt ashamed of these worlds I was creating; in fact, they were my first step into the magic of singing.
Early Passion for Singing
Music has always been my escape—a universal refuge for many. When resources were limited and gadgets like iPods or CD players were out of reach, my voice became my most reliable companion. Every note I sang was a personal bridge to a place of solace and self-expression.
Facing Vocal Trauma and Critique
As I grew older, the world’s expectations began to intrude. The compliments about my singing slowly transformed into critiques. Between the ages of 11 and 13, I encountered significant vocal trauma that resulted in a creative block. Friends’ harsh comments and one wrong note led me to stop singing the way I used to. This period marked the beginning of my vocal block—a challenge that many singers face when their inner voice is drowned out by external pressures.
Learning to Trust My Voice
In recent years, I’ve seen renowned vocal instructors emphasize the importance of trusting your voice—a lesson my 13- to 17-year-old self needed desperately. I tried to overcome my block with vocal lessons, musical theater, and even songwriting, yet something was missing. I wasn’t just fighting a physical block; I was struggling to reclaim the joy and authenticity that singing once gave me.
Reclaiming My Vocal Identity Through Daily Practice
The turning point came when I embraced daily vocal warm-ups and dedicated time to ear training. However, the real breakthrough was not just technical—it was deeply personal. I rediscovered my voice when I found myself. Returning to the basics, I learned about resonance and vocal placement, elements that many vocal coaches overlooked during my early years. These practices reconnected me with my body and heightened my self-awareness, paving the way for true vocal recovery.
Mastering My Voice by Living Unapologetically
Ultimately, I mastered my voice by choosing to live unapologetically in my truth. I realized that to live the life I desired, I had to set boundaries, speak my truth, and sometimes even risk hurting a few feelings. This bold step allowed me to reclaim not only my voice but also the integrity and joy that singing once brought me.
