Have you ever wondered if your love for music and voice could turn into a thriving private practice? Today’s guest shows us it’s possible—and how to do it while keeping flexibility and control over your life.

Joining me is Rachel Goldenberg, a speech-language pathologist, clinical voice specialist, and singing teacher based in Montclair, New Jersey. Rachel’s private practice, My Inspired Voice, combines her passion for singing with her expertise in voice therapy, helping clients with everything from vocal health to respiratory challenges.

In this episode, Rachel shares her journey from opera-obsessed child to clinical voice expert, how she built a private practice that fits her family and lifestyle, and her tips for anyone ready to take the leap into private practice.

Rachel’s love for music started early. She began piano lessons at 7 and memorized operas like Carmen and Tosca by age 12, performing them dramatically in her living room. She went on to study at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, where she fell in love with the science of the voice, learning from pioneers in vocal pedagogy.

Her career took her through teaching, research on singing and respiratory health, and work with clients with lung disease in Canada. Along the way, she realized that to help clients fully, she needed to expand her skills, which led her to pursue speech-language pathology. Now, her dissertation focused on the use of singing lessons as an adjunctive airway clearance technique for adult cystic fibrosis patients.

Through all these experiences, Rachel’s passion for voice never wavered—but she also learned the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and following the right opportunities when they appear.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• How her passion for singing led her into voice therapy
• What it was like to return to grad school during COVID
• How she built her private practice and referral network
• Why flexibility has been essential for her family

With her practice, Rachel has full control over her schedule, enabling her to see clients during traditional hours, early mornings, or late evenings, while still making time for her children and other priorities. Her story is a perfect example of how passion, expertise, and a willingness to take the leap can create a private practice that’s both fulfilling and flexible. 

Whether you’re interested in voice, pediatrics, or another specialty, her journey shows that with the right mindset, mentorship, and action, you can build a practice that fits your life and allows you to thrive both professionally and personally.

Ready to take control of your career and start your own private practice—just like Rachel did? The Start Your Private Practice Program gives you the roadmap, resources, and support to get started. Learn more at www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com.

Whether you’re just starting or ready to grow, I can help you create a practice that gives you freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment. Visit www.IndependentClinician.com to learn more.

Resources Mentioned:

Follow Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/myinspiredvoiceslp/

Check out her website: www.myinspiredvoiceslp.com

Where We Can Connect: 

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/