What about if I told you that no two sets of Vocal Cords are exactly the same..

You are probably going to agree with me, but maybe go on to ask why your voice doesn’t sound exactly like Adeles in the bridge section of “Easy on me” or stress you’re not getting the tone the same as the artist you are singing.

In Vocal Pedagogy, the vocal cords are unique in every living being. Just as fingerprints differ from person to person, so do vocal cords, resonating chambers, and muscle structures. While it can be inspiring to look up to other singers (inspo is very important I agree!), remember that your voice will respond in its own way.

I recently watched great workshop on Jaw Manual Therapy. Hosted by Chris Johnson at ‘Teach Voice’  with special Guest Stephen King. The discussion was about how individual and one-of-a-kind we are when it comes to a Singers Anatomy. 

So I felt the desire to write and share my reflections on this, in hope we rethink the way we treat, describe and share ourselves and our voices…

I often remind students and clients to listen back to lesson recordings or record voice notes for practice, peace and repeat. The popular response is “I hate listening to myself back”.. But, Why? I ask. What don’t you like? I ask. Who are you comparing yourself to? I ask… Why may you feel the need to treat your voice with such disregard? I question..  This approach catches attention and shifts the narrative, much like a caterpillar inching closer to the moment it will allow itself to transform. Your voice, in this process, is the butterfly emerging in all its beauty.

Your vocal design shapes your sound in ways that no one else can replicate. You may strive to achieve certain stylistic elements or techniques, but your voice has its own natural character that’s worth developing rather than imitating. In fact in the VWG Studio, progress in singing isn’t about replicating another’s sound, it’s about discovering your own. You will all know if you have had a lesson with me before that it is so valuable to be unique and I make this clear in the way I teach! Vocal training is about understanding your unique tendencies and working with them, not against them.

Also what is super cool is that differences in anatomy mean every voice has its own strengths. Some singers have larger vocal cords or specific muscle proportions that influence their range, tone, or flexibility. Knowing your own anatomy helps you to appreciate what makes your voice special, embracing the journey of shaping what you have rather than comparing yourself to others.

So what i’d like all my wonderful Singers and those reading this to think about is..

Building vocal technique is much like sculpting with the materials you’ve been given. Instead of aiming to become a carbon copy of another singer, approach your voice with curiosity and patience. Your unique set of vocal muscles and anatomical features are tools you can develop over time in your Lessons whilst technique will enhance what’s naturally yours.

I hope this perspective reminds you to trust yourself and embrace the unique qualities of your whole-voice.

If you want to initiate the exploration of your Voice, hop on a Free Online Taster 

Until then, thank you for reading and let me know your thoughts if you have any.

Light sent,

Vocals with Gia @ Bali Holistic Voice Studio