Finding and developing your true voice is about more than just technique—it’s a journey of self-discovery, movement, and creative vision. Pyeng Threadgill, a vocalist, teacher, and mentor, helps singers overcome fear, connect with their bodies, and build sustainable careers in music. In this interview, she shares insights on Somatic Voicework, the power of movement in vocal performance, and the key practices that keep artists grounded and inspired.
How do you help singers and artists overcome fear and self-doubt to find their authentic voice?
Well, a big first step is actually voicing that you want to find your voice or your authentic voice. So my way of supporting that is by listening. There’s a lot to be said for working up the courage and also making the time to select a voice teacher to study singing or recommit to singing/voicework. Usually when people come to me, they say they’ve been wanting to do this for a while.
The next step is more practical. I teach a method called Somatic Voicework, the LoVetri Method which I also combine with the Alexander Technique and years of my own performance experience and we begin to establish a regular vocal routine to open up the singer’s voice. Creating a consistent practice helps to strengthen your voice but also your mindset.
What role does movement play in vocal development, and how can it enhance a performer’s stage presence?
Movement can be SO helpful for a number of reasons. For example as a singer your body is your instrument (I always like to say “YOU are the instrument”:) and therefore it’s important to get loose, stretch and connect with your body as you are going to be increasing blood flow and breath once you start singing. But also I like to incorporate movement with singers/sounders because a lot of people get in their heads and can become hypercritical when they’re singing. So I like to use movement to help students get out of their heads and stay connected to the music.
Can you share some key strategies for building a sustainable career as a vocalist beyond technical skill?
Creativity and art-making can be so up and down and it’s easy to get pulled around by this emotionally. One minute you’re riding high because you had a great show or got a great write up, then the next you’re despairing because you can’t find the right lyric or your band member can’t do the gig. So I believe it’s really important to have practices that help to anchor you throughout your week and life. My main ones which I speak about and coach people on often are “the 4 M’s”. Movement, Music, Meals, and Meditation. Make sure to have some form of regular movement or exercise to not only keep your body in shape for your singing and carrying gear but also to settle your mind. Always do your vocal warm ups so you will be ready at any moment if someone calls you to perform or record. Eat well! You are the instrument and you need to take care of yourself inside and out. Lots of vegetables, whole grains, protein, and healthy fats and lots of water. And lastly, find a kind of meditation that works for you. Seated or movement meditation so that you can center yourself on and offstage.
One other element is community. It’s not one of the M’s but it is VITAL to being an artist and just a human being! Art is about creating community but also we each need safe communities where we can share our struggles and wins to remember that life and art are not solo events.
How do you guide artists in shaping their creative vision and turning it into a concrete project?
This is super individual and a lot of it is intuitive for me. I tend to have a lot of creative ideas (ask my husband Lol) and I love helping singers create or fill out the creative vision or concept for their work whether it’s putting together a look for going onstage, a concept for an album cover or photos, instrumentation, band name, etc. It can also be easier sometimes when I’m working with someone else since I can see more sides of the project because I’m outside of it whereas they are in it.
What are some common mistakes aspiring singers make when developing their vocal technique, and how can they avoid them?
I think a big mistake many singers make is skipping vocal technique altogether for fear it will take away “their sound”. This is such an old belief and not true. Vocal technique is meant to help keep your voice resilient to withstand lots of performing/recording and to allow you to express your full self. The vocal technique I teach is functional based vocal training meaning it is based on how your voice works so it’s not meant to create your style. Style is after. That’s something you come to on your own, with a producer, or with the support of your teacher/coach if you want it.
The other big mistake I think singers make is just doing generic warmups they find for free online. Ideally you want to work one on one with someone for a while or at least have a private lesson or two so the teacher knows your voice when working with you in a group setting. That way you can get the best cues to strengthen your voice.
