Empowering leaders and entrepreneurs to develop dynamic voices and expand their impact. 

Leading change requires a strong voice, and there’s no greater power than trusting in your own. Even though many of my clients find themselves speaking on stages, they’d never consider using singing as a way to strengthen their voices and skill set. As a board-certified music therapist and creative vocal coach, my passion and expertise is using music as a tool, empowering leaders to overcome limiting beliefs around their voice, and creating a safe and playful space for exploration so they can sing and speak with courage and authenticity. 

We don’t often give much thought to our voice until we find ourselves in what I call “spotlight moments” – sales calls, speaking in meetings, on a podcast, or presenting on stage. These moments require us to have vocal confidence. Being intentional with our voice is the foundation for building trust, authenticity, and impact. Singing is a playful way to put these into practice. Let’s explore where music and leadership intertwine. 

Warming Up 

Preparation is key to optimizing our voices. Speaking is a full-body experience! Just as an athlete stretches and warms up before a marathon, preparing our body and voice are necessary for maintaining energy and stamina while we speak. Vocal warmups help to stretch the vocal folds, release tension, calm the nervous system, and prepare us to sound our best. 

Breath 

Every musical phrase is an opportunity to begin again. From knowing how to send the right amount of air to complete a sentence or when to take a beat in the form of an intentional pause, breath is just as important as our words. Through singing, we learn to use breath for power, support, and to convey our message with confidence. 

Adding Textures 

Voice work helps develop your full vocal range. It’s not just what you say, but how you say it. Creative voice coaching increases awareness and playfulness around intonation (variation of tones in our voice), cadence (the rhythm at which we speak), emphasis (stressing important words or phrases), and enunciation (how we articulate), ensuring that you’re both clear and captivating. 

Authentically You 

Music gives us tools for deeper expression. You can be well-polished and rehearsed, but true authenticity comes from connecting to yourself. I offer my clients individualized accompaniment tracks to practice hearing themselves and learn what makes their voice unique. 

Staying Present 

Singing is a mindfulness practice. When you’re in the creative process it’s hard to be anywhere else. Singing allows us to practice making mistakes. If you hit a wrong note or forget a word, the song keeps moving – the show must go on! Similarly, you can gracefully flow through moments of vulnerability, allowing your audience to remain connected with you. 

Creative voice coaching is for those who love to sing and are looking to explore the potential of their voice. Whether you join me on this exploration or sing in the shower, I hope you’ll take up space, turn up the volume, and own your voice!

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Lisa Townsend, MT-BC, is a board-certified music therapist and vocal coach who has spent over 15 years helping clients use music as a tool for self-discovery. From building and leading teams and developing programs in nonprofits serving marginalized communities, to working at schools with youth using music for social change, Lisa is steadfast in her belief that everyone is musical. Lisa is passionate about helping professionals and emerging leaders be bold + brave and play creatively to find their authentic voice. Intimate group coaching programs and 1:1 intensives help clients develop the confidence they need to increase their visibility, share and amplify their message, and trust their voice.