Voice Professional, Trans Voice Teacher

Trans Voice Blog

Trans Voice Blog


Debunking 3 Common Vocal Feminization Myths

 
 

There are a lot of myths floating around about voice training. 

So today, I wanted to debunk a few.


Myth #1: You need a high pitched voice to sound feminine. 

While raising your pitch can be a part of vocal feminization you don’t need to have a high pitched voice in order for your voice to be feminine perceived. 

When I work with clients, I don’t usually start with pitch. I generally start with resonance, which is the element that can do the most for a shift in perception. 

A good rule of thumb is to aim for somewhere around 165 hz, or an E3. 

The other elements of voice training - resonance, vocal weight, inflection - these elements do a lot of heavy lifting. So while pitch is not something to ignore, you don’t need to be up at 220 hz to have a feminine voice. 


Myth #2: Some people can voice train, others cannot.

voice training, vocal feminization

While some people might be more adept with their voices (they might have a singing background, for instance), vocal feminization is a skill that can be learned by anyone.

A lot of people think that you either have singing talent, or you don’t, for example. But even well established singers, practice and seek guidance from teachers. 

The same is true with voice training. With practice, it’s absolutely possible to learn vocal feminization techniques and find a voice that feels like you. 

You already make a lot of different sounds in your day to day speech. It’s just about understanding how to recreate some of the sounds that you already make and make them a habit.


Myth #3: Feminine voices are soft 

feminine voices and volume

Voices do not need to be soft in order to be perceived as feminine. 

Throughout the voice training process, as you learn to brighten your resonance and lighten your vocal weight, it might feel like you have to stay soft in order to achieve the sound that you’re looking for. 

With breath training, you can learn to project your voice while keeping the feminine elements you want. When you have more control of how you release your air using your abdominal muscles, you’re able to increase volume without adding unwanted vocal weight or lowering the pitch. 


Interested in trying a private lesson?

Olivia FlaniganComment