- **Epistemic status:** #seedlings When practicing [[Voice Feminization]] the following are general mistakes to avoid: ## Speaking in falsetto It is quite common to start voice training on falsetto, but it is a bad practice since it generates an incorrect source tone to feminize. ## Misunderstanding resonance [[Vocal Resonance]] is an objective and empirical fact of our universe and can be manipulated easily as long as you have a solid base on what it is. ## Hyperfocusing on the pitch ceiling [[Vocal Pitch]] ceiling is the highest comfortable speaking pitch that occurs during speech. It is more important to focus on how low you don't go instead of how high. ## Releasing resonance after it's been dialed in When performing mechanical exercises where it is required to "dial" in their [[Vocal Resonance]] in and then speak, people can release the [[Vocal Resonance]] as they start speaking, becoming confused as to why the voice isn't changing. Pay attention if you release any muscular holds when you go to speak. ## Too breathy or too closed Don't crutch on breathiness or strain your voice by squeezing the folds too hard. The sound produced is not desired. ## Overthinking/Hypermanaging muscles Your muscles aren't controlled directly. They work by first considering the task at hand and then executing a command to complete it. When you initially start, you'll probably move the wrong sections of your tongue if you try to manipulate the muscles directly. Listen to the sound to understand which muscles to use, and then practice them. ## Not listening Instead of relying heavily on tools, it is crucial to listen to your voice and mimicry. ## Harsh and destructive self criticism Feedback is crucial, and analyzing your voice is an essential part of accomplishing anything with voice. We must make our self-criticism constructive and growth-oriented, rather than destructive and based on self-hatred/anxiety. --- ## References - TransVoiceLessons. _8 BIGGEST TRANSVOICE MISTAKES!_, 2019. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnUD0gfLevo>.