So many of my clients say this to me at some point along the path of their voice development. They are feeling voice production that is different to what they are accustomed and they are hearing a voice that sounds foreign, as well. The changes create a crisis of identity.

To help resolve this crisis, I encourage my clients to view their voice as an instrument and therapy work as learning to play it in a different way. I often use the analogy of playing a guitar.

When playing the guitar, most of the time the left hand is at the furthest, smallest end of the neck. The fingers are comfortable there, easily reaching across the fretboard for all configurations. If the player moves the hand further down towards the body of the guitar, the neck widens. Playing further down the neck increases the pitch emanating from the strings, but it feels more awkward to play there. The frets are much closer together and the height of the strings above the fretboard is much higher, so increased precision and pressure is required. The fingers must stretch further, perhaps the angle of the hand needs to change and practice is needed to develop ease and fluidity of motion. It feels clunky and it sounds different – but it is still the sound from that guitar, just a different sound from that guitar.

I was happy to come across an article in Scientific American in which an Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon wrote “the human voice is our musical instrument.” He suggested the voice box is both a wind and string instrument at the same time, as airflow initiates the vibrations which create sound. He also shared the story of a patient who had vocal fold surgery to reduce oedema of the vocal folds (and roughness of the voice) caused by smoking. The resultant voice change created a crisis of identity because “She no longer recognised herself when she spoke.”

This is how some people feel about their voice modification, at first. Producing voice differently feels awkward and even difficult. And it sounds strange, at first. With practice and time, however, one becomes more comfortable playing their vocal instrument differently and begins to recognise themself in their new voice. The voice begins to feel good and sound good. It becomes a part of who they are and strengthens their identity.

It's your instrument. It’s still your voice. Give it time.