Is the saying, “Don’t worry, your voice will keep growing into your 20s…” true, or is it a saying used to justify a lack of vocal growth in the developing voice?

Let’s look at what the science actually says!

Note: This post focuses on vocal development in cisgender individuals. Unfortunately, most current research does not include transgender voices or the effects of hormone therapy on vocal development. More research is needed in this area to better understand how these factors affect vocal growth and function.

Vocal Development During Puberty

During puberty, hormonal changes lead to significant growth in the vocal anatomy, especially the vocal folds and supporting cartilages like the thyroid and cricoid cartilages.

• Males: Testosterone drives the lengthening and thickening of the vocal folds, causing a deeper voice. This process also includes the growth of the thyroid cartilage, which forms the thyroid prominence (Adam’s apple). Typically, this change starts between ages 12 and 14 and continues into the late teens (Kriesel et al., 2002; Connor et al., 2004).
• Females: In females, puberty results in less drastic changes. Vocal folds lengthen slightly, and the pitch of the voice lowers, but the process stabilises by the late teens (Chan et al., 2006).

What Happens Between 15 and mid-20’s?

After puberty, vocal growth slows but continues well into the mid-20s. Research indicates that the vocal folds and supporting structures, such as the thyroid and cricoid cartilages, mature in their elasticity and vibratory efficiency, impacting voice function for singers (Goodyer et al., 2006; Sataloff, 2021).

1. Vocal Fold Maturation:

• The lamina propria (the three-layered structure of the vocal folds) continues to organise, particularly the superficial layer (Reinke’s space). As it becomes more elastic, singers often notice increased agility and resonance in their voice (Hirano et al., 2004).

2. Ossification of Cartilage:

• Ossification is the process by which the cartilages in the larynx gradually harden and turn into bone. This begins in late adolescence and continues into the 20s and 30s. In the thyroid and cricoid cartilages, ossification creates a more stable structure, which supports better tension control of the vocal folds.
• While this process provides more vocal stability, it doesn’t fully replace the cartilage with bone. Instead, parts of the cartilage ossify, especially in the posterior (back) regions, leaving some flexibility. Singers may feel more “anchored” in their voice due to this structural support (Hirano et al., 2004; Goodyer et al., 2006).

3. Vocalis Muscle Development:

• The vocalis muscle, located within the thyroarytenoid muscle (vocal fold muscle), continues to strengthen and develop coordination with the lamina propria. This allows for more precise pitch control, longer note sustainment, and less vocal fatigue (Goodyer et al., 2006).

Changes Singers May Notice

Singers between the ages of 15 and mid-20’s may experience:

• Improved vocal stability: Reduced voice cracks and smoother register transitions.
• Enhanced resonance: A fuller, more resonant sound as the vocal folds become more efficient at vibrating.
• Increased stamina: Greater vocal endurance, as the muscle and elastic properties of the folds develop further (Hirano et al., 2004; Goodyer et al., 2006).

Is “Your Voice Grows Until Your 20s” a Legitimate Excuse Though?

Yes, the voice does continue to grow until the mid-20s, but this should not be used as an excuse for disregarding or ignoring vocal issues in young singers. Vocal training should be tailored to the unique needs of a developing voice, addressing potential instability while building healthy vocal habits. Teachers should not use “the voice is still growing” as a blanket excuse for unresolved issues (Sataloff, 2021).

Conclusion

The voice continues to grow into the 20s, but this does not mean that singers should delay proper vocal training. The key is to manage these changes with appropriate technique and care. Vocal growth and maturation can be supported by good practice, ensuring the best vocal health possible.

If you are a singing teacher and learnt something new from this one VocaLab blog post today, imagine what else you will learn in our 5-week signature Singing Teacher Training Course – The Vocal Educator Toolkit (VET)!

References

Sataloff, R.T. (2021). Professional Voice: The Science and Art of Clinical Care (4th ed.). Plural Publishing.

Connor, N.P., et al. (2004). Neuromuscular junction changes in aged rat thyroarytenoid muscle. Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology, 111(7), 579–586. https://doi.org/10.1177/000348940211100703

Chan, R.W., & Titze, I.R. (2006). Viscoelastic shear properties of human vocal fold mucosa. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 106(4), 2008–2021.

Goodyer, E.N., Muller, F., & Bramer, B. (2006). In vivo measurement of the elastic properties of the human vocal fold. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 263(5), 445–462. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-005-0025-y

Hirano, S., et al. (2004). Therapeutic potential of growth factors for aging voice. Laryngoscope, 114(12), 2161–2167. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.mlg.0000149452.71838.f7