Androgynous voice training is voice coaching for those wishing to develop a voice that is neither traditionally masculine or traditionally feminine. There are many types of students that seek a more androgynous voice, including:
- Non-binary people who want a voice unique to their identity.
- Trans men or women that want to change their voice, but only to an extent.
- Cisgender people that wish to have a voice that doesn’t conform to traditional gender roles.
- Voice actors that wish to play characters of multiple genders.
Whatever your reasons are for wanting an androgynous voice, we’re here to help! Your goals are our top priority.
Elements of Androgynous Voice
(Androgynous) 1st Step – Pitch:
Masculine and feminine voices actually don’t differ in pitch as much as many people think. In fact, there is actually overlap in the pitch range masculine and feminine voices will often be in. Because of this, you will work most often in the E3-F#3 pitch range for an androgynous sound. Here’s a keyboard for reference.
(Androgynous) 2nd Step – Pitch Variation:
Masculine voices are known for being more monotone and feminine voices are known for having a lot of pitch variation. To develop a more androgynous voice, you will work on adding or minimizing the pitch variations in your voice until you find the happy medium you are looking for. Most commonly, an androgynous voice will have variations of about a whole step during speech.
(Androgynous) 3rd Step – Vocal Resonance:
Generally, masculine voices will feel resonance in the chest while speaking, while feminine voices most often feel resonance in the face. A more ambiguous voice resonance is felt in the mouth and lip area. This is sitting in the middle of the two extremes.
Resonance can be shifted by tweaking how high or low the voice box sits in the throat what pitch range is used for speaking, and by altering how you shape the space inside of your mouth.
(Androgynous) 4th Step – Shifting Individual Sounds:
As learn how to control your voice, it’s important to learn how to alter individual consonant and vowel sounds. This will assure that you are able to change details in your voice that may be interfering with your consistency. Vowels can be modified to sound very different, even when pitch stays the same. Smiling for a brighter “o” sound, or rounding the lips for a darker “ee” sound.
You can also shift consonant sounds. Pronouncing them further back in the mouth and with more force will add a more masculine flavor to your sound. Pronouncing consonants with less jaw movement and more air can convey a more feminine tone.
(Androgynous) 5th Step – Individuality:
Here at Your Lessons Now, we understand that not everyone’s goals for an androgynous voice are the same. Working with a voice coach not only gives you the chance to learn healthy voice technique, but also helps to learn control that will allow you to tailor your sound to your unique goals. Your goals are our goals. After all, no one is you-er than you!
You can do it! We’re here for you.
Not quite ready to book your first lesson? You can also book a free consultation to discuss your individual goals with a member of our team!