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Excerpt: Masculinize Your Voice Without Testosterone

masculinize your voice without testosterone pitch voice masculinization Aug 14, 2023
Masculinize Your Voice Without Testosterone, by Renée Yoxon, gender-affirming voice teacher

Hey there! I'm Renée, and I'm excited to share with you some valuable insights from my course, Masculinize Your Voice Without Testosterone. You can watch the excerpt from this course in the video above or follow along with the blog post below!

As a gender-affirming voice teacher, I understand the challenges many individuals face when trying to find a voice that feels good. Today, I want to walk you through a step-by-step process that can help you choose a low target pitch that aligns with your desired voice, ensuring it's not only full and healthy but also brings you gender euphoria.

If you've been on a journey to discover your ideal voice, you might have encountered the struggle of pinpointing the right pitch. It's a common obstacle, but fear not – I'm here to guide you through the process.

Let's start by dispelling a common misconception: the aim isn't to reach the lowest pitch possible. Instead, the goal is to find a pitch that resonates with you, embodies your flavour of masculinity, and still supports your vocal well-being. Striking this balance will give you the confidence to communicate effectively and authentically.

Imagine you're with me, and I'm at the piano, ready to help you navigate this journey and follow along with the video!

Step 1 & 2: Explore Your Range

We begin at middle C, and together, we'll sing down your vocal range. Approach this exercise chromatically, singing every note – both white and black keys. The objective here is not to stress over hitting the lowest notes, but to explore your entire range and identify where it starts feeling less supported. You might notice your voice becoming airy or even strained – that's perfectly normal.

Step 3: Find Your Reference Point

Once you've reached that note where your voice starts feeling less healthy, take note of the pitch right above it. Let's say this note is E. This becomes your reference point, and it's essential to remember that you won't be stopping at this note when you speak. It's merely a point of reference for what comes next.

Step 4: Set Your Target Pitch

From your reference note (E in our example), count up four semitones. This means moving both up the white and black keys, not skipping any notes. This new note will be your target pitch. While the change might seem small, it can have a profound impact on your vocal perception and projection.

For instance, if your reference note is E, counting up four semitones will lead you to G. This G note becomes your target pitch – a pitch that's slightly higher than your reference note but still within a comfortable range.

Benefits of Your Target Pitch

Choosing a target pitch allows you to speak comfortably in a range that feels natural to you while embracing masculinity. But why not just speak in the lowest pitch possible? Well, communication isn't just about the pitch; it's about dynamics and expression. By having a slightly higher target pitch, you retain the ability to use descending intonations and achieve that appealing vocal variety.

Applying Your Target Pitch

Practice is key. Use your target pitch in everyday conversations. It might feel a bit different initially, but with time and practice, it will become more familiar and authentic. Remember, you're not aiming for perfection right away – progress takes patience and dedication.

To sum up, finding your target pitch involves exploring your vocal range, identifying a reference point, and setting a target pitch that enhances your masculinity without sacrificing vocal health. This approach provides a solid foundation for your voice journey, and there's so much more to explore beyond pitch alone.

My course, Masculinize Your Voice Without Testosterone, delves deep into various exercises, techniques, and tips to help you unlock your authentic voice. With over 50 exercises tailored to guide you through this process, you'll have all the resources you need to navigate your unique vocal journey.

If you're ready to take the next step towards discovering your authentic voice, I invite you to learn more about my course here. Embrace this exciting journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Remember, your voice is an essential part of your identity, and with the right guidance, you can unlock its full potential.

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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