Have You Lost Something That Once Defined You?

Greta Morgan, a professional musician, faced a profound transformation after contracting severe COVID-19 in 2020, which led to a neurological voice disorder called spasmodic dysphonia. This condition caused involuntary spasms in her vocal cords, drastically changing her singing voice and ending her ability to perform as she once did.

Morgan's journey involved grieving the loss of her previous voice while discovering new ways to express herself musically. She found solace in nature and listening, which shifted her perspective from being a performer to an observer, deepening her understanding of voice as any truthful expression of the heart—not just singing. This reframing helped her embrace her "new voice," leading her to write different, more lyrical songs and explore her creative potential despite limitations.

She also redefined success in her music career, focusing on smaller, meaningful performances rather than large traditional venues, highlighting the importance of adapting to what the body and spirit can hold. Greta's story encapsulates loss, grief, and renewal, offering a roadmap for others confronting identity-shattering changes.

• Greta Morgan describes a high moment performing lead vocals center stage at Madison Square Garden with Vampire Weekend.
• It felt like a transcendent musical euphoric experience, among the rarest of group harmonies.

• After contracting COVID-19 in 2020, Greta developed severe fever and neurological symptoms that impaired her voice.
• The fever caused spasmodic dysphonia—a neurological disorder where vocal cords spasm involuntarily, breaking down her singing ability.