Question:

I am a male who just turned 15 and my voice is changing. I know this is the normal time for these things to happen, except that it has been changing and cracking for almost 2 years now. I’m a quiet guy and don’t speak much if I don’t have to. Does this have anything to do with the slowness of my voice change? I think I’m progressing normally through the rest of puberty in terms of height and hair. I would like to know if there is anything that I can do to help speed up this process. Any vocal cord exercises or anything like that. Thanks in advance.

Answer:

The changes in puberty can happen at very different rates. In some males, it is complete in two years, in others it can last up to four years. You might naturally experience vocal shifting for a while longer. That being said, careful, appropriate vocal practice can definitely strengthen your voice. You can work with a speech therapist or a voice teacher who has experience with the teenage male voice. I don’t have any specific answers for you as far as exercises to do because I haven’t heard you, but whatever you do you must be careful because the voice is vulnerable at this time.