Jennifer Matthews
Philosophy and Vision
Gender Aligning voice training
Are you struggling with a ‘he’ voice, ‘they’ voice or ‘she’ voice? Senior Speech Pathologist Jenny Matthews can help find your ‘ME’ voice.
Bayside Voice Centre has joined with Brisbane Endocrine and Gender Service to provide a welcoming, professional, safe space for the LGBTIQ+ community to receive services in one convenient location.
Gender aligning voice training can support transgender and non-binary individuals to explore their voice and their gender identity.
Background
Jenny is a cisgender, middle-aged, mother of teens with a love of theatre and ADHD superpowers. She is a Senior Speech Pathologist with 22 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults in education and private settings. Jenny has completed additional voice training over the last 10 years to develop her knowledge and skills in the niche area of Voice. Clients often travel to specifically see Jenny at Bayside Voice Centre, located at the Redlands Specialist Centre, Cleveland. We are delighted you can now take your journey of vocal discovery at Bayside Voice Centre, from Brisbane Endocrine and Gender Service, at Camp Hill.
Areas of interest
Jenny has an interest in gender aligning voice training. Jenny also has the experience to provide an inclusive service for people with diverse physical, neurological and sensory perspectives such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy and Body Dysmorphia.
10 Ingredients for your ME voice
Getting to Know You: We build a connection of trust in order for you to build a connection with your true voice (which I call ME voice).
Acoustic Analysis: Audio recordings are used to measure your starting point, physical range for realistic goal setting and progress.
Vocal Techniques: Training includes education about healthy voice habits and evidence-based strategies to help individuals find a voice that feels authentic.
Breath Control: Abdominal-diaphragmatic breathing is the ‘power’ of the vocal system influencing voice quality and volume.
Resonance and Placement: Participants learn how to modify where their voice resonates and avoid vocal strain. Resonance is an important part of an efficient voice.
Speech Patterns and Non-Speech Sounds: Adjustments to speech patterns including rate, pausing and emphasis can help align a voice with gender identity. We also include cough, sneeze, yawn and filler words like ‘um’ to ensure consistent presentation.
Language and Non-Verbal communication: For those with a specific gender goal, we embed typical words, phrases and gestures.
Personalisation: Each person's voice is unique, so training is tailored to your goals and physicality. Enjoy the chance to ‘play around’ and ‘experiment’ with what suits you.
Generalisation: We will start with repetitive exercises, but quickly move on to using the words, phrases, scripts you need in your daily interactions. Karaoke songs included!
Supportive Environment: Collaboration with Naomi Achong (our Endocrinologist) and Belinda Byrtles (our Psychologist) emphasises a team approach. Brisbane Endocrine and Gender Service, is an inclusive space for practice and growth fostering confidence.
Number of sessions
In-depth training to cover all areas of communication and generalisation would ideally take between 10-12 sessions. However, these are your goals. Therefore the ‘time’ depends on the depth of training you wish to engage in. If you aim to sound less feminine and more gender neutral and are comfortable with other aspects of your communication, then this would take less time.
Why is this called ‘training’?
This is a vocal workout people! It requires regular practice to achieve the desired change and build vocal fitness. Don’t worry, there is no cardio.
Contact details
