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Finding Repertoire for a Changing Voice: Pregnancy and Transitioning Singers

Introduction

Your voice is always changing—it’s what makes it such a unique and personal instrument! But sometimes, those changes can feel like a challenge, especially during big life shifts like pregnancy or gender transition. The good news? There’s plenty of great music out there that can work with your evolving voice rather than against it. Whether you’re a singer navigating hormonal shifts or a teacher helping students through vocal transitions, picking the right repertoire can make all the difference.

Vocal Changes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy affects the whole body, and that includes your vocal cords. Thanks to hormonal fluctuations, increased blood flow, and fluid retention, you might notice:

  • Swelling in the vocal cords, which can impact pitch and resonance.
  • More breathiness as your lung capacity shifts.
  • Less vocal stamina, making it harder to sustain long phrases or sing demanding repertoire.

Choosing Repertoire During Pregnancy

Since your voice might feel unpredictable, it’s best to choose songs that work with these temporary changes rather than against them:

  • Stick to mid-to-lower range pieces to avoid unnecessary strain.
  • Choose songs with manageable phrase lengths to accommodate breath support changes.
  • Go for gentler dynamics rather than extreme belting.

Good options include light jazz, folk, or art songs, such as “Someone to Watch Over Me” (Gershwin) or Schubert’s “Ave Maria” (Gackle, 2011).

Vocal Changes in Transitioning Singers

For transgender singers undergoing hormone therapy, vocal changes will vary depending on whether they’re taking testosterone (FTM) or estrogen (MTF).

FTM (Female-to-Male) Vocal Changes

Testosterone causes the vocal cords to thicken, similar to what happens during puberty, which can lead to:

  • A deepening of the voice, though the process can be unpredictable.
  • Breaks and inconsistency as the voice settles.
  • Less flexibility in range and agility for a time.

MTF (Male-to-Female) Vocal Changes

Since estrogen doesn’t change vocal cord size, trans women often need to train their voices to achieve a lighter, higher resonance:

  • Head voice and falsetto development become key.
  • Breath control and resonance work help create a more fluid sound.

Choosing Repertoire for Transitioning Singers

For FTM singers, songs that allow flexibility between baritone and tenor ranges can be helpful, like “Stars” from Les Misérables” or adaptable folk ballads (Davids, 2021).

For MTF singers, repertoire that focuses on legato phrasing and expressive storytelling can be a great choice. Consider “I Could Have Danced All Night” from My Fair Lady or Disney’s “Part of Your World.”

Non-Gender-Specific Musical Theatre Songs

Musical theatre is all about character and storytelling, making it a great place to find songs that suit any voice. Here are some non-gendered options:

Songs with a Limited Range but Impressive Appeal

If you’re looking for something that sounds great without demanding a massive range, try:

Conclusion

A changing voice can feel like a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to explore new music and find what works best for you. The key is patience, adaptability, and choosing repertoire that makes you feel confident. Whether you’re navigating pregnancy, transition, or any other vocal shift, listening to your body and picking songs that support your voice will keep you singing happily and healthily. And remember—great singing is about expression, not just range.

References:

  • Davids, J. (2021). The Transgender Singer: Finding Your Authentic Voice. Oxford University Press.
  • Gackle, L. (2011). Finding the Right Repertoire for the Adolescent Changing Voice. Journal of Singing.

Alex Fisher

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