Straw Phonation (With The Singing / Straw™) For Trans Singers

I recently got a question that I knew had to be shared with all of you. One of my amazing singers who's in the middle of transitioning asked:

"Hi Whitney, I'm transitioning, and my voice coach suggested a singing straw. I also saw a YouTube voice coach, Olivia Flanigan, promote your brand to help trans people, particularly MtF trans people, improve resonance, which is key to getting our authentic feminine voices. Can you tell me more about how the Singing / Straw helps with voice training for trans people?"

First off, thank you for asking this! It’s such an important question, and I’m so excited to dive in and answer it for you.

So, what the heck is straw phonation?

In simple terms, straw phonation is making sound through a straw. But trust me, it’s not just a gimmick—it’s a highly effective technique that works wonders for vocal control.

When you phonate (or make sound) normally, air flows up from your lungs, and your vocal folds close around that air and vibrate to create sound. This is great when everything’s working smoothly. 

 Adding the Singing / Straw is where the magic happens: When you phonate through a straw, you’re maximizing  both subglottic pressure and supraglottic pressure (pressure from above your vocal folds). This extra back-pressure helps your vocal folds close more easily and makes your voice function much more efficiently. And it’s exactly this combination of pressures that makes straw phonation so perfect for trans voice training, especially for MtF individuals.

How Straw Phonation Helps Trans Voice Training

If you’re transitioning, you’ve likely noticed that after testosterone, your vocal folds thicken and the voice becomes deeper. This is because testosterone super powers your thyroarytenoid muscle. This can sometimes make it feel like it’s harder to phonate or access higher pitches. But here’s the good news: straw phonation can help train your vocal folds to work more efficiently, making it easier to navigate those higher pitches without strain or effort.

If you’re trying to phonate with a lighter, thinner sound (which is a common request when you’re transitioning), straw phonation gives your vocal folds the support they need to function better. This means more control, stability, and a smoother, more feminine tone without the discomfort.

Want to hear how Renée Yoxon, one of the leading trans vocal coaches and a big fan of the Singing / Straw™, uses this technique? 

Renee dives deeper into why straw phonation is perfect for trans voice work and how it can help both masculinizing and feminizing the voice. 

Check out their video here:

Watch Renée Yoxon’s Video on Straw Phonation for Trans Voice

Why It Works

For those transitioning, especially after testosterone, the vocal folds become thicker and stiffer. 

This can lead to back pressure and less flexibility when trying to hit higher notes. 

Straw phonation helps by balancing the pressure, making the vocal folds more efficient and comfortable.

By training with the straw, you're giving your vocal folds a break from all the extra tension that builds up during the transition. 

The combination of subglottic and supraglottic pressure allows the folds to close more naturally, supporting your voice in a way that feels comfortable and fluid.

How to Try It

If you don’t have a Singing / Straw™, you can try a blowfish face: puff out your cheeks, creating a straw-like shape with your lips. 

This is a simple exercise that mimics the benefits of using a straw!

The Bottom Line

Straw phonation isn’t just a technique—it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to stabilize their voice and gain control over their resonance. 

If you’re transitioning or working with someone who is, incorporating this technique into your practice can ease strain, help you access your higher range more easily, and create a more authentic, comfortable voice.

Want to try it out for yourself? 

Start with the basics and feel the difference in your vocal fold control. 

And if you’re ready to dive deeper and learn more about the science behind straw phonation, the Singing / Straw Teacher Certification Program is here to take you there.

Ready to level up your vocal skills? 

Let’s do it! 

Check out the Singing / Straw Teacher Certification Program to learn all the tools you need to help your voice reach its fullest potential.

Your not-so-basic-vocal coach,
Whitney Nichole