Affirming Voice Training for Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Singers: with Dr. Felix Graham and Dr. Christopher Cayari

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Christopher Cayari and Dr. Fellix Graham as we dive deep into the world of voice training for transgender and gender non-conforming singers. In this episode, we'll tackle crucial topics and common misconceptions in the field, including: Vocal Health: How should vocal health be managed during periods of significant vocal change for transgender students? Repertoire Recommendations: Discover favorite sources for gender-affirming repertoire suitable for those in early or mid-vocal transition. Effective Exercises: Beyond SOVT exercises, which specific exercises are recommended for voices undergoing changes due to testosterone? Impact of Hormonal Treatments: Learn about how estrogen and testosterone impact vocal training and what voice teachers should be aware of. Vocal Labels and Dysphoria: Examine the impact of traditional vocal labels on gender dysphoria and explore alternative labeling approaches. Voice Dysmorphia and Dysphoria: How do we support clients struggling with voice dysmorphia or dysphoria, particularly when progress is hard to perceive? Advice for Educators: Gain practical advice for voice teachers who are new to working with transgender students. We are planning on a 2-part series, where we lay the groundwork for understanding and supporting transgender and gender non-conforming singers. Stay tuned for part two, where we'll continue to explore topics and answer questions that couldn’t be covered in this episode. Do you have questions? Send them in for part 2.

Dr. Christopher Cayari (he/they; @ DrCayari on all the social media) is an associate professor of music at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. They specializes in popular music vocal styles such as vocal jazz, show choir, and musical theater. He has maintained a private voice studio since 2000, now located in the Chicago Loop and online. Christopher is an accomplished researcher-performer who blends research and art through autoethnography, a way to research society through exploring one’s own lived experiences. His one-person musical theater research revues have been performed across the US, Canada, and the UK. Their newest show premiered off-Broadway at the Musical Theater Educators Alliance conference in 2023, and they has also been a featured performer in Trans Voices Cabaret Chicago and Transcend Choir of NYC (which is the brainchild of my other guest, Dr Felix A Graham **like how I built in the TRANSition for you).

Felix Graham, ED.D.C.T., is an NYC-based musician, writer and teaching artist whose practice explores the juxtaposition of voice, gender & identity. He has had two careers as a performer: initially as a classical singer & pianist, then post-transition branching into cabaret/queer musical theatre, resulting in, among other things, singing as the first openly trans-masculine artist at the Friar’s Club.

As a teaching artist, Dr, Graham works with trans/GNC singers and gives workshops nationally on trans voice, music & identity, and creating secure musical learning spaces for marginalized communities. He is the founder of TRANScend Choral & Community Music Foundation – a non-profit dedicated to gender-inclusive music and music education in New York City.

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