Beyond the Larynx: Why Your Velum Matters for Trans Voice

The Velum, also known as the soft palette (the squishy part on the roof of your mouth) is one of the most overlooked parts of trans voice training. Now I certainly can’t blame anyone who overlooks this fleshy little membrane, I mean when were talking about voice most individuals think of the Larynx and the True Vocal Folds but luckily for you, I’ve got nerd knowledge to help.

The Velum's Impact: Achieving a Full, Resonant Trans Voice

The Velum acts as a door to two rooms that split off from one another. These two rooms are the nasopharynx (the tube that connects your nose to the rest of your respiratory system) and the oropharynx (back of the throat behind your mouth). When working correctly this doorway opens and closes (lifts and lowers) depending on the vowel being spoken. Now here’s why this matters, when we’re raising our resonance the velum typically lifts, closing off the nasopharynx passage, this creates a full resonant voice that sounds natural and can be projected well.

However, what I commonly see is that after the velum is raised, after a second or two individuals relax and the velum falls which creates it’s trademark sound of a dampened and weakened voice.

Here’s what I recommend: Through doing a CV Blend, a humming siren or a gentle gasp, pay attention the the sensation of the velum as it raises. Now once you feel it raised, assign the effort it takes to hold that position a number from 1–10 (1 being super easy and 10 being super difficult), now every time you practice reflect and make sure you’re hitting your target number. This will keep you accountable to maintaining the position and make it easier for you to maintain your resonance in the long run.

Maintaining Resonance: Practical Velum Exercises for Trans Voice Training

Look, we all get caught up in the larynx and vocal folds, right? It’s like, “Oh, voice training! Gotta work on these things!” But honestly? The velum? That little squishy roof of your mouth? Total game-changer. Seriously, it’s like this secret door that everyone forgets to check.

Think of it: you’re trying to get that bright, resonant sound, and you’re nailing the lift, feeling that space open up. But then… poof. It drops, and your voice sounds like it’s muffled by a pillow. We’ve all been there.

So, here’s the deal: stop letting that velum slack off! Do those CV blends, hum your way to glory, gasp like you just saw a ghost, whatever works. Just feel that lift. And don’t just feel it once, then forget about it. Give it a number, like, “Okay, that’s a solid 7 effort.” Then, next time, make sure you’re hitting that 7 again. Keep yourself honest!

Because, trust me, nailing that velum control? It’s the difference between a voice that’s just “okay” and a voice that’s you, but amplified, confident, and totally resonant. Don’t overlook that little squishy miracle worker. It’s got your back.

As always, if you’re looking for a vocal coach that will also have your back while working on trans voice training, you know where to find me!

Till next time,

Kylie