Sometimes, due to our upbringing, education, religion, or role in life, we find ourselves silenced. At other times, we silence ourselves out of shame, fear, or uncertainty. The world can become overwhelmingly noisy, drowning out our own voices. Often, we may have never truly heard them in the first place.
This suppression can become our default way of being in the world. As children, we learn how we should express ourselves, adopting this language subconsciously in our minds: “Be quiet.” “Stay in line.” “Follow the crowd.” “Don’t cause trouble.” We are taught to be passive, not to speak out, not to question what is asked, and not to advocate for ourselves, our beliefs, or our truths. This cycle needs to be addressed.
Every Voice is Important
Your voice is your essence and power; every voice matters. Vocal training and self-expression are wonderful tools for discovering your voice!
“It’s about realising, painfully, you’ve kept that voice inside yourself, locked away from even yourself. And you step back and see that your jailer has changed faces. You realise you’ve become your own jailer.”
— Tori Amos, E! Online – Star Boards – July 1998
It’s time to let go of this conditioning so that you can be free to be yourself.
It’s About More Than Sound
When I work with clients, the journey begins with allowing your voice to breathe. ‘Voice’ may refer to your physical voice—be it singing or speaking—or to your creativity, songwriting, or your identity in life. Embracing this work will profoundly change how you navigate your existence. By focusing on singing technique and vocal freedom, you will discover that your voice has been there all along, patiently waiting. Is now the time to claim your voice as your own?
Homeplay: A Daily Exercise
Here’s a beautiful daily exercise I encourage you to try: Ask yourself, “How do I feel?”
Sit with this question without needing to ‘fix’ or change anything. Just be present for yourself. For those who may struggle to articulate their feelings, please see the attached list of words related to emotional connection for yourself. For those who may struggle to articulate their feelings, please see the attached list of words.
If this resonates, you’re welcome to explore this work more deeply with me, Jennifer May. I’m a vocal coach and artist mentor in London & online — supporting singers and creators in reclaiming the voice they were born with. When you feel ready, we can explore your expressive freedom together.
