How a Paralyzed Vocal Cord Changed Everything For Me as a Worship Leader and Singer
- Sara Scott McDowell
- Oct 23
- 2 min read
A decade ago, I thought I knew. I thought I was on top of my vocal game.
I was living a dream singer/worship leader life: on staff with a mega church in the southern United States, leading multiple weekend services with the best teams ever, serving with other leaders, vocalists, and musicians, and singing and leading for special events and conferences and doing studio work on friends’ albums and projects.
Then one day in a worship planning meeting, I noticed that my speaking voice felt really tired…
🤔 And it occurred to me that it had been feeling tired for a couple of weeks.
That weekend while leading worship, I also noticed that I couldn’t sustain notes, pitch, or vocal power as well as I knew I could.
I made an appointment with an ENT (ear, nose, and throat Dr). He did a scope - a nasolaryngoscopy to be exact.
His findings were disheartening.
I had vocal cord paresis in my left vocal cord.
Put another way, part of my vocal cord was partially paralyzed.
🤢 I thought I was going to throw up.
The ENT explained that more than likely at some point in recent years I sang sick - while I had a sinus infection, bad head cold, etc - and that’s when the paralysis happened.
He also said that it might be helped with vocal therapy and changes to my vocal health/hygiene and habits. (I later learned that full recovery from a vocal cord injury is not guaranteed).
While I was glad something could hopefully be done, it was humbling to admit that I needed vocal therapy and had some things to learn about taking care of and using my voice in a healthier way.
I had been singing my entire life. Pro since age 11. How did this happen?
It was a major turning point for me.
I went from thinking I knew, to actually learning vocal health, vocal warmups, proper function, etc.
I learned support, control, breathing…how to train for the long game.
Praise God, I recovered 💯
And I’m really thankful for that scary moment in time.
Not only because it made me a better vocalist. A better steward of my gifts. Better at rest and boundaries.
But also because it’s led me here, sharing what I’ve learned with you and any worship leader, worship vocalist, and worship singer who wants to learn, too.
Hi, I'm Sara!
I support women in worship ministry through vocal coaching, worship leader coaching, and worship ministry coaching. I'm so glad you're here! You can find out more about my coaching options HERE. And always feel free to reach out if you have questions or need anything.
All my best,
Sara
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