The Singer Who's Brain Forgot How To Sing | Documentary Idea

by David Scott
(Glasgow, UK)

(July 26, 2015) Hi I am David Scott. I have been a professional singer most of my life. I have had some amazing experiences being signed to a major record label performing in some of the biggest Venues within the UK. All my life my voice has been my passion, the reason I felt purpose.

However for the last 4 years I have struggled with my voice.

I arrived at a venue one night and tried to sing and nothing would come out. My voice is something that I took for granted for 15 years performing. I had never experienced anything like this in my life.

I slowly but surely tried to sing through the gig but I had lost all my vocal ability, This has continued to plague me 4 years on and subsequently I have had to get a regular job working 9-5.

At first when this happened I reacted like every singer and thought I had damaged vocal chords (Nodules) however when I got the " all clear from ENT I realised that this problem is more complex than simply physical.

Here is my documentary pitch:

Follow a Professional singer's roller coaster journey to the other side of the Atlantic in an attempt to find his lost voice through the help of the best vocal coaches in the world. Can he face his demons and regain his voice to what it once was or is it lost forever?

David Scott - For the majority of his life has been singing to thousands via weddings, clubs, bars (2300+ gigs and counting) has forgot how to sing. He suffers from a neurological disorder called Vocal Dystonia.

Vocal Dystonia - a neurological disorder where the brain and nervous system are somewhat disconnected with the signal path to singing technique and muscle memory, resulting in the brain not sending the correct signals to the muscles around the vocal chords causing an unpredictable choked strangled sound, sometimes not coming out at all, limited range and a struggle to perform.

Having searched desperately for answers, Hypnotherapy, Vocal massages, Countless journeys to ENT departments - David Believes he can only re gain his vocal ability by learning to sing completely from scratch.

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Jun 08, 2022
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I feel the same
by: Minoo Vasudevan

Hi David,

I’m going through the same situation as you and I’m looking for help on this as well!

If anyone would like to send me any resources, you’re more than welcome to reach out to my email minoorocks@gmail.com. Thank you in advance!

Jul 16, 2020
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Update on my journey
by: David

Hi
Absolutely I would be more than happy to take part.

You can get me via my email david@mrkarmaproductions.co.uk

Jul 16, 2020
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Documentary
by: Filmmaker

Are you still interested in filming your story for a docu-reality series? I am very interested in this story and would love to work with you.
Please let me know the best way to connect with you and would love to get this rolling.

Mar 10, 2020
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Jaylene and friends
by: David

Reah out to me David@mrkarmaproductions.co.uk
I can ping you over excersises and some guidance on approach and mindset to get you on the right path

Mar 09, 2020
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Thank you!
by: Jaylene

Hey David! Thanks for responding. I’d love to hear anything you are willing to share.

J

Mar 08, 2020
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Jaylene
by: David

Hi Jaylene
Sorry to hear about your journey, but there is hope... I can happily share with you the steps I took to get things back on track.. If it worked for me.. It can work for anyone

Mar 06, 2020
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Same issues
by: Jaylene Johnson

Hi David...

I had commented before. It’s so good to hear that you have been able to continue singing. I know Brett Manning from years ago. Small world.

It’s impossible to find information about this, and to find anyone who is experiencing or has experienced what I am.

I was a Juno-nominated singer/songwriter, and then one day? My singing voice was gone.

I was diagnosed with a rare form of a rare form
of the already rare spasmodic Dystonia / dysphonia affecting my singing voice. The Voice doctor who diagnosed me in March 2018 said that he has only seen 2 cases like mine in his 30+ year career, where the Dystonia is task specific to singing. Usually it is to speaking, he said, and people are strangely still able to sing. He also said it is a neurological condition, and no training could fix it. It has been a devastating, life and career altering diagnosis.

I have been getting small doses of BOTOX every three to four months. It has helped me to regain some « Lilt » in my speaking voice, and I seem to have some notes and control in my lower register that were not there before. Truthfully, I’ve been too heartbroken to try to sing much at all. Ironically, I can sing more easily when I’m crying...

Your story gives me hope. The body and brain, how they connect with spirit...all still such a mystery.

Thanks for sharing, and be well.

Jaylene

Mar 06, 2020
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Update on my journey
by: David

Hi everyone.

Thank you for your responses and support.
I never actually noticed people had commented on this thread and completely forgotten I have posted it.

Just thought I'd give an update where I am vocally.

I started to vocalise following speach level singing methods singing success. I then flew over to Nashville to have lessons with Brett Manning.

My voice has improved dramatically. I am missing a couple of notes from the top of my range but no more choking or breaking and my tone seems different than before. I am still gigging every week and I am happy with my vocals for the most part. I am looking to retire from singing professionally in the next 4 to 5 years when my diary clears up. I would happily give an interview to anyone that is still interested in my story.

All the best
David

Mar 06, 2020
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Documentary
by: Kasia

Hello David! I’m an independent documentary filmmaker and I got very interested in your case, especially after reading "Life lessons from a brain surgeon" by Rahul Jandial. Would you be available for the interview? All best, Kasia

Apr 18, 2018
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I just don't know
by: Mitzi

I have experienced the same thing. I had a quality singing voice. This is one reason my husband fell in love with me. However, in the past several years my ability has gone down hill. I experience the choking as well. Sometimes my voice cuts off in the middle of a note. I used to be able to sing pretty high notes but as of late I am struggling. I feels like my brain is getting confused as to what it is supposed to do. I am extremely heartbroken, but I keep praying that I will find my voice again as it used to be, or close to it.

Jan 04, 2018
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Looking in a mirror
by: Jaylene

Hi David...

I am experiencing the exact same thing. It's as though my body has forgotten how to sing, despite having had a natural ability from the time I was a child. It is confusing, disheartening...I am doubtful I can relearn, and heartbroken. In addition to the uncertainty of my music ministry moving forward, I would just love to be able to sing with my wee daughters.

Be well,
Jaylene

Nov 01, 2017
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radio documentary project
by: filmmaker

Hi I know your post is from 2 years ago but would love to do a 10 minute interview with you about your story for a radio documentary project I am doing with visualisation. I think your story is really interesting I think it would work really well if you are interested I would love to here back from you.

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