Music Education Research for LGBTQ+ Singers

About 10 years ago I was approached about teaching voice lessons to a young woman who identified as transgender (MtF). As a young and eager new teacher, I was excited to do some research and do my very best to help her feel confident in her singing voice. Unfortunately, I was in for a surprise when I tried to research and came up with very little information about training singers who identify as transgender. 

Fast forward to today. The first ever textbook on the subject of trans singers was recently published. Nearly every ACDA conference for the past few years has had its first session regarding working with transgender singers. At this point, I have also personally worked with multiple young students who are transitioning in their gender identity and there are tons of important issues to address. The field is budding with potential and now is the time to dive in, learn, and contribute! 

“The things you are passionate about are not random, they are your calling.”  ― Fabienne Fredrickson

I remember hearing that quote at a critical point in my student teaching and wondering if this line of research might lead me to my calling. Help me find out by donating to my gofundme, so that I can pursue this research further!

In the past, I have always paid for my own professional development. Even when I had the opportunity to use my program's activity account, I chose to use those funds for things that more directly impacted my students, digging into my own pocket for conference registrations, flights, hotel stays, etc.

The past year has been tough on my family, so money is tight. I am currently in the process of starting my own LLC for individual instruction on voice, piano, and horn in F. While it is going well so far, we are still playing catch up a bit financially. Below is a breakdown of the things I want to pursue in the near future regarding my research. Even the smallest gift is greatly appreciated.


UPDATES (MAY 2020):

Due to COVID-19 the 2020 conferences I was originally planning to attend have either been postponed or moved to virtual conferences. Therefore, I have updated my goals to reflect these changes.

CURRENT GOALS (MAY 2020):

"The Singing Teachers Guide to Transgender Voices"
by Hearnes and Kremer
(Textbook)
$130 

"Transforming Voice and Communication With Transgender and Gender-diverse People: An Evidence-based Process" 1st Edition
by Adrienne B. Hancock and Linda Siegfriedt 
$83

"Bel Canto A History of Vocal Pedagogy"
by James Stark
(book)
$59 

"Power Performance for Singers: Transcending the Barriers"
by Emmons and Thomas
(book)
$73

"Trans Bodies, Trans Selves: A Resource for the Transgender Community"
by Laura Erickson-Schroth
(book)
$22

"Vocal Technique: A Guide for Conductors, Teachers, and Singers"
by Julia Davids and Stephen LaTour
(book)
$35

"Anatomy of the Voice: An Illustrated Guide for Singers, Vocal Coaches, and Speech Therapists"
by Theodore Dimon and G. David Brown
(book)
$25

"The Naked Voice: A Wholistic Approach to Singing"
by W. Stephen Smith and Michael Chipman
(book)
$36

"Practical Vocal Acoustics: Pedagogic Applications for Teachers and Singers. (Vox Musicae: the Voice, Vocal Pedagogy, and Song Book 9)"
by Kenneth W. Bozeman
(book)
$55

"Transgender Voice Workbook"
by Hannah Brooks-Lane 
$5

"Voice and Communication Therapy for the Transgender/Gender Diverse Client: A Comprehensive Clinical Guide, Third Edition"
by Richard K. Adler, Sandy Hirsch, et al.
(book)
$102

The Voice Book for Trans and Non-Binary People: A Practical Guide to Creating and Sustaining Authentic Voice and Communication
by Matthew Mills, Gillie Stoneham, et al.
(book)
$25

Full Membership to NATS
(National Association of Teachers of Singing)
$140 for annual dues

Full Membership to ACDA
(American Choral Directors Association)
$125 for annual dues

Full Membership to NAFME
(National Association for Music Educators)
$132 for annual dues

(RESCHEDULED)
QMUE Symposium for LGBTQ Studies and Music Education,
Summer 2021 in Eugene, OR
Conference Registration Cost is Unknown at this Time
Travel Expenses for QMUE Conference in Eugene, OR
Estimated $600 for round trip flights
Estimated $500 for lodging 

(MOVED TO VIRTUAL)
NATS Annual Conference,
Summer 2020 in Knoxville, TN 
(There will be sessions on working with trans singers)
$75 for Registration

All funds raised will go directly to Whitney Lee Moeller, who will use them for the above-mentioned expenses.