"Gender affirming voicework" has increasingly become an overarching term to describe various types of gender-focused vocal training (e.g., the work that comes from speech/language pathologists or voice teachers/coaches). Specific to music therapy, I introduced a potential framework for engaging in this work in 2019 that has since evolved into a formal model for music therapists who wish to facilitate this work within the clinical setting. This development of this model comes from the collaboration of Braedyn Inmon, Kaylynn Schachner, and myself and is named the Liberatory Music Therapy model of Gender Affirming Voicework (LMT-GAV).

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The model surrounds the following: 

• Using various music therapy methods to access and embody spoken and/or sung gender expressions

• Rooted in liberatory practices aimed at consciousness-raising and tending to the emotional process as it arises

• May involve working on vocal function and/or emotions or identity-related goals

• Considers sociocultural context and various voices a person uses in daily life

• Explores vocal aesthetics rather than treating vocal pathologies

• Informed by knowledge from music therapy, speech/language pathology, vocal pedagogy, and gender & critical theories

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There is a training process for those who would like to facilitate LMT-GAV services for others. This process is currently facilitated by Maevon Gumble, Braedyn Inmon, and Kaylynn Schachner.

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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. 

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To be notified of new information and dates of next training opportunities, please join the mailing list.