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Beyond Binary: Crafting Your Own Androgynous Sound

nonbinary voice pitch resonance sentence contour vocal weight Oct 11, 2023
Is it possible to get an androgynous voice?

Hello there, I'm Renée, a gender-affirming voice teacher, and today, I want to delve into a question that I often hear: "Is it possible to get an androgynous voice?" The short answer is yes, but let's break it down further.

You see, achieving an androgynous voice is indeed possible, but it's a unique journey for each individual, depending on their starting point. So, in this blog post, I'll explore the characteristics that contribute to the gendered qualities of a voice and how you can modify them to find your own androgynous voice.

Pitch: Finding the Middle Ground

One of the key elements of voice is pitch. Pitch is often associated with gender, with higher pitches typically perceived as more feminine and lower pitches as more masculine. However, in the quest for an androgynous voice, you want to find that sweet spot in the middle.

For those who have undergone testosterone-based puberty and have a naturally lower voice, the goal might be to raise the pitch slightly. This can be achieved through various vocal exercises and techniques, some of which are readily available online, such as my course Mindful Voice Feminization. However, the key is to adjust your pitch only to the degree that aligns with your desired outcome.

Similarly, if you haven't undergone a testosterone-based puberty and your have a naturally higher voice, you may want to check out maculinizing resources, such as my course Masculinize Your Voice Without Testosterone.

Resonance: Balancing Bright and Dark

Resonance is another aspect of voice that contributes to its gendered qualities. A resonance that leans towards brightness is often associated with a more feminine sound, while a darker resonance is perceived as more masculine. To achieve an androgynous voice, it's about finding the right balance.

If you're starting with a voice that has been read as masculine, you might work on brightening your resonance a bit. Again, this is where tailored voice training exercises come into play. The aim is to make adjustments that bring your voice closer to that middle ground without going to extremes.

Weight: Balancing Heavy and Light

Voice weight refers to how heavy or light your voice sounds. A heavier voice is often associated with masculinity, while a lighter voice is seen as more feminine. For those seeking an androgynous voice, the goal is to strike a balance.

This may involve modifying your voice to make it a bit lighter or heavier, depending on where you started. It's essential to remember that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to voice training, and your voice should reflect your unique identity and goals.

Inflection: Breaking Free from Gender Norms

Inflection is the pattern of rising and falling tones in your speech. Society often associates certain inflection patterns with gender, but when aiming for an androgynous voice, it's about breaking free from these norms.

You can experiment with different inflection patterns to find what feels most authentic to you. Remember, voice training is about self-expression and aligning your voice with your identity, not adhering to rigid gender stereotypes.

Now, you might be thinking, "Where can I find resources to help me on this journey?" The good news is that there are plenty of resources available online, including my courses, blog, and freebies. However, I've been contemplating creating a course specifically focused on nonbinary and androgynous voice goals—one that doesn't even mention masculine and feminine terms.

So, here's my question to you: Would you be interested in a course like that? I'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Send me an email or send me a DM on Instagram or TikTok

In conclusion, the path to finding your androgynous voice is both possible and highly individualized. It involves adjusting various aspects of your voice, including pitch, resonance, weight, and inflection, to achieve a voice that aligns with your identity and goals.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of self-discovery and voice empowerment. Remember, your voice is a powerful tool for expressing yourself, and there's no one right way to be androgynous. Embrace your uniqueness, and let your voice shine!

Hi, I'm Renée! (they/them)

I'm a queer, nonbinary, and disabled singer, songwriter and gender-affirming voice teacher. 

I've been a voice teacher for over twelve years, I have four full-length albums out, and I have degrees in physics, jazz, and songwriting.

I love creating, I love figuring things out, but most of all, I love helping people.

Learn more about me

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