Training in gender affirming voicework
OVERVIEW
There is a training process for those who would like to facilitate the music therapy method of gender affirming voicework services for others. Currently facilitated by Maevon Gumble, Braedyn Inmon, and Kay Schachner, this training process is intended for Masters level music therapists, although those with related backgrounds may be considered on a case by case basis.
Through training the first cohort of trainees from 1/2023 to present, we've recognized a need to adjust the training process to better support individuals as they ground into this work. In particular, this has involved teasing apart Level I from Level II. As we solidify objectives, content, and cost for each level, that information will be posted here.
To be notified of new information and dates of next training opportunities, please join the mailing list.
LEVEL I FOUNDATIONS
Description
The Level I Foundations training will be for working individually with a trainer to develop competencies related to navigating the physical voice, exploring the trainee's emotional relationship with their voice, and unsettling white supremacist cisheteronormative and bioessentialist understandings of the voice and gender.
This is an ongoing training completed at the trainee's own pace. We are not currently beginning with any Level I trainees, but if you are interested, please reach out.
LEVEL II FACILITATION
Description
The Level II Facilitation training will involve Level I trainees coming together as a cohort. It will be focused on developing understandings of key theories and concepts while also practicing the facilitation of gender affirming voicework.
At the moment, we are uncertain about when this next training will be offered.
Prerequisites
Completion of Level I Foundations
LEVEL III CLINICAL WORK
Description
Trainees will begin offering gender affirming voicework, emphasizing that they are still in training to any potential clients.
At the moment, we estimate that at least 50 hours of clinical work will be required, to be completed at the trainee's own desired pace while receiving direct supervision from a music therapist experienced in gender affirming voicework. We estimate that at least 25 hours of individual supervision will be required, to be completed while accumulating clinical hours. Group supervision will be offered to supplement the required individual supervision. Supervisors will work individually with trainees to continue improving their skills in gender affirming voicework. This might involve audio and/or video recording sessions for feedback, engaging in ongoing assessment, completing assigned readings, and sharing cases.
Please note that this training process is still in development. Supervisors reserve the right to require additional clinical hours/supervision to further develop skills needed to support others in this work.
Upon successfully completing the required hours for clinical gender affirming voicework and supervision, trainees will be added to the list of music therapists trained in the method of gender affirming voicework.
For every hour of supervision, trainees can earn one CMTE credit by using the Mentored Self-Study Program Plan form, to be completed by supervisee and their supervisor.
Prerequisites
Completion of Level I Foundations & Level II Facilitation
Cost
For 2024, we have received grant funding to cover the fees associated with up to 25 individual supervision sessions, meaning that there is no cost to trainees for the required supervision. Additionally, grant funding will allow for trainees to be paid for their work while still providing therapy participants with free gender affirming voicework services.
In the Art of Becoming Scholarship
Covers the cost of at least one BIPOC transgender, nonbinary, and/or gender expansive individual to participate in the Level I and II training. Scholarship(s) will be awarded to applicants with the most financial need until all funds have been exhausted.
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Must be a music therapist and/or graduate level music therapy student applying for the Level I or Level II gav training
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Must be a member of the BIPOC communities
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Must be transgender, nonbinary, and/or gender expansive
When applying for the Level I or Level II training, eligible applicants will also be able to apply for this scholarship. Applications are now closed for the first cohort, but it is intended to offer this scholarship with the next available training.
Learn more about gender affirming voicework
PLEASE NOTE
The term "gender affirming voicework" refers to a very specific set of ideas initially developed by Maevon Gumble and which Braedyn Inmon and k schachner have joined in developing in relation to gender and voice-focused music therapy. While it is not the only way of engaging with gender and the voice within music therapy, it does refer to a very specific set of ideas and ways of musically working. Therefore, it is requested that you only use the term "gender affirming voicework" to describe your music therapy work once you have completed the required training.
LITERATURE & INTERVIEWS
Gumble, M. (Forthcoming). The Unmasked Vocal Chameleon: A Composite Case Study of gender affirming voicework.
Gumble, M., Inmon, B., & Schachner, K. (Forthcoming). Gender affirming voicework: Expanding on Theoretical Foundation and Clinical Practice.
Dietrich, M. (Forthcoming). "Becoming Unhinged": a Queer Autoethnography of gender affirming voicework.
Gumble, M. (2021) Gender affirming voicework. The Feeling is Musical, podcast episode #51.
Gumble, M. (2020). Queer: More Than an Adjective. The MTea, podcast episode #8.