The Singing Teacher's Guide to Transgender Voices

The Singing Teacher's Guide to Transgender Voices is the first comprehensive resource developed for training transgender and nonbinary singers. This text aids in the development of voice pedagogy tailored to the needs of transgender singers, informed by cultural competence, and bolstered by personal narratives of trans and nonbinary singing students.

The singing life of a transgender or nonbinary student can be overwhelmingly stressful. Because many of the current systems in place for singing education are so firmly anchored in gender binary systems, transgender and gender nonconforming singers are often forced into groups with which they feel they don't belong. Singers in transition are often afraid to reach out for help because the likelihood of finding a voice teacher who is competent in navigating the social, emotional, physical, and physiological challenges of transition is minimal at best.

This text equips teachers with a sympathetic perspective on these unique struggles and with the knowledge and resources needed to guide students to a healthy, joyful, and safe singing life. It challenges professional and academic communities to understand the needs of transgender singers and provide evidence-based voice education and real-world opportunities that are authentic and genuine.

The Singing Teacher's Guide to Transgender Voices is the first book of its kind to provide thorough, organized information on the training of trans singers for educators in both the academic and independent teaching realms.

Brian Manternach of Classical Singer, csmusic.net,  interviews the authors in The Singer's Library feature in the April 2019 issue.  Read it here.

The VocalFri Podcast was excited to host Liz Jackson Hearns and Brian Kremer as guests on the VocalFri November Plural Publishing author spotlight to talk about their book The Singing Teachers Guide to Transgender Voices. The conversation covers terminology and language, inclusivity, and voice type. So many needed conversations as the voice community continues to move forward. Listen here.

Reviews

"I found this resource to be well-written and well-organized. The material was presented in a concise but thorough manner. As someone with little experience working with transgender voices, this book provides substantial information about creating a welcoming environment not only in the studio but also in the terminology traditionally used to teach these voices. The book is all about individuality and how to support those seeking to find their place within the musical tapestry. Inclusivity was another important theme discussed throughout the book, and examples were given based on genre. Replacing the choral SATB model with parts I-IV and allowing voices to decide where they feel most comfortable and selecting musical theater works that allow greater casting freedom (Pippin, Kinky Boots, and Hairspray) can help make every individual comfortable. Another suggestion is creating an all-transgender chorus, like the Chicago-based group Resonate."
—James D. Rodriguez, in VOICEPrints (May/June 2019)

Foreword by Das Janssen, PhD
Introduction
Acknowledgements

Part I: The Person
Chapter 1. Deconstructing Gender

Chapter 2. Communication

Chapter 3. Voice Classification and Repertoire

Chapter 4. Psychological Perspective: An Interview with Kelly George, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Psychotherapist

Part II: The Voice
Chapter 5. Respiration and Special Considerations for Trans Singers

Chapter 6. Hormone Therapy and Voice

Chapter 7. Pitch and Registration

Chapter 8. Resonance and Articulation

Chapter 9. Voice Health for Transgender Singers

Part III: The Experience
Chapter 10. Trans Singers on Singing

Appendix 1. Sample Student Intake Form
Appendix 2. Transgender Inclusive and Affirming Policies
Appendix 3. Voice Exercises
Index