FTM Voice Training: How To Make Voice Deeper For Female To Male Individuals | ENBYNYC

Author: Pedro Santos

Date: 10-November-2022

If you are a female-to-male individual, you know there is more to your voice than just the pitch. To have a deeper voice, you need to train your vocal cords and resonance chambers in addition to your lungs and diaphragm. In today's article, we'll discuss how you can make your voice deeper through training and practice.

Table Of Contents

What Is FTM Voice Training?

Different Elements of A Masculine Voice

Techniques On How To Make Voice Deeper For FTM Individuals

Vocal fry

Throat singing

Expanding your R1

Humming

Tips For Transgender FTM Voice Training

1. Use A Low Dosage Of Testosterone
2. Diaphragm Training
3. Do Voice Exercises
4. Voice Therapy
5. Try to Record Yourself

Conclusion

What Is FTM Voice Training?

FTM voice training is a process that helps female-to-male individuals learn how to speak with a deeper, more masculine voice. Whether you want to feel better about yourself or be seen and heard by others as the man you are, this type of training can help.

Many different techniques can be used to help you train your voice, and it is important to find a method that works best for you. Some people prefer to use online resources, while others find it helpful to work with a speech therapist or other professionals. There are also many books and articles available on the subject.

Different Elements of A Masculine Voice

Several different elements contribute to a masculine voice. These include:

1. Pitch

The average speaking pitch for men is about 125 Hz, while the average for women is about 225 Hz. To sound more masculine, you will need to lower your pitch. Voices are more masculine when it comes from the chest contrary to feminine ones that use the head voice.

The larynx is where sound is produced. It is sometimes referred to as the voice box. This is accomplished by two thin bands of muscle located inside the larynx called vocal cords. Vibrating these vocal cores create noise. The pitch of the voice is determined by the tension of the vocal cords. The louder the sound, the more air is needed to vibrate the vocal cords.

2. Tone

A masculine voice is typically fuller and richer than a feminine voice. This is because men have larger vocal cords than women. Depending on the structure and size of your vocal cords and how much air you utilize to produce sound, you can deepen or lighten the tone of your voice.

3. Resonance

This is how your voice reflects off of surfaces in your mouth. A masculine resonance is typically deeper and more echo-y than a feminine one. To achieve a deeper resonance, you will need to train your vocal cords to vibrate at a lower frequency. You can do this by adjusting the way you position your tongue, teeth, and lips when you speak.

4. Breath Support

Strong breath support is essential for both a deep voice and good vocal health. When you breathe from your diaphragm, it will help to increase the amount of air that you can push through your vocal cords. This will enable them to vibrate at a lower frequency, yielding a deeper voice.

Additionally, it's crucial to guarantee that you breathe normally while speaking. This can lead to a higher pitch and may cause you to sound breathy.

Techniques On How To Make Voice Deeper For FTM Individuals

Vocal fry

One technique that is often used to help make the voice deeper is called vocal fry. This involves speaking in a low, creaky voice that sounds like you are about to run out of breath. Some people may find this strategy helpful, but it's vital to keep in mind that it should only be used briefly. If you use vocal fry for too long, it can damage your vocal cords.

Throat singing

Throat singing involves making a low, humming sound in the back of your throat. This creates a vibration that can be felt in the chest and throat. The sound is then echoed by the resonating chamber of the mouth, throat, and nose. Throat singing can be used to produce multiple pitches at the same time, creating a rich and unique sound.

Expanding your R1

The R1 is the area of the vocal cords that produces the lowest pitches. The R1 can also be expanded by singing on an "ng" vowel sound. This will help to create a deeper voice, you will need to expand your R1. This can be done by using a vowel sound, such as “ah” or “oh”. The vowel should be pronounced with an open mouth and a relaxed jaw. As you make the sound, feel your vocal cords vibrate in the back of your throat.

Humming

Humming is a technique that is often used in a singing voice to warm up vocal cords. Additionally, it can be utilized to produce a deeper voice. To do this, simply hum a low note for a few seconds. You should feel a vibration in your chest and throat. If you find that the pitch is too high, you can lower it by opening your mouth wider or by relaxing your jaw.

Tips For Transgender FTM Voice Training

1. Use A Low Dosage Of Testosterone

Testosterone is the hormone that masculinizes the voice, so it stands to reason that using a low dosage of testosterone would help train your voice to sound more masculine. You can ask your doctor about getting a prescription for testosterone, or you can purchase it online.

Using testosterone will not only help to make your voice deeper, but it will also help to increase the muscle mass in your vocal cords. With this method, you will gain greater power and control over your voice. However, along with its benefits, some risks come along with taking testosterone.

These risks include an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and liver cancer. It can also cause acne, baldness, and enlargement of the clitoris. It is essential to always consult your physician before beginning and stopping any hormone therapy, as there are many risks involved.

2. Diaphragm Training

Training your diaphragm to use proper breathing techniques is essential for sounding more masculine. The diaphragm is a large muscle located between the chest and abdomen that helps control breathing. When you breathe from your diaphragm, it allows you to take in more air and project your voice more effectively.

Here are a few exercises you can do to help train your diaphragm:

• Sit with good posture in a chair, feet flat on the floor. Place one hand on your stomach below your belly button. Inhale slowly through your nose, letting your stomach rise. As you exhale, tighten your abs and push the air out through your mouth.
• Place yourself on your back on an even surface, with one hand resting on your stomach. As you inhale, allow your stomach to rise. Exhale forcefully, pushing all the air out of your lungs.

When you successfully train your diaphragm, you will notice that your breathing becomes deeper and your voice sounds more resonant.

3. Do Voice Exercises

There are a variety of vocal exercises you can do to help deepen your voice. Many of these exercises involve practicing speaking in a lower register than you are used to. Start by practicing speaking in a normal tone, then gradually lower the pitch of your voice until you are speaking in a deep, rumbling tone. Voice exercises can be done a few times a week to help train your voice. Some vocal exercises you can try include:

• Sirens- While standing or sitting, take a deep breath through your nose. Slowly exhale while making an “eeee” sound, gradually increasing the pitch of the sound.
• Falsetto- This is a common vocal exercise that involves speaking in a high-pitched voice. Doing this is easy--simply inhale deeply and exhale while making an “ahh” sound. Slowly lower the pitch of the sound until you are speaking in a deep, rumbling tone.
• Growls- Growling is another way to help deepen your voice. To do this, inhale deeply, and then, as you exhale, make a low growling noise.

4. Voice Therapy

If you have the opportunity to consult with a speech therapist or voice coach, take advantage of their expertise to learn how to use your new voice. Voice therapy is often used to help people who have lost their voices due to injury or illness. The therapist will work with you to help train your vocal cords to produce a deeper, more masculine-sounding voice. Attending voice therapy sessions can be costly, but it is often worth the investment.

5. Try to Record Yourself

You can monitor your improvement by recording yourself while you speak or sing. This will allow you to listen back and hear how your voice sounds. As you continue to work on deepening your voice, you should notice a difference in the recordings.

Learning how to speak with a deeper voice can take time and practice. Be patient with yourself and don’t get discouraged if you don’t sound exactly like you want to right away. It takes most people several months to train their voices to sound the way they want. Keep at it and you will eventually get the hang of it.

The best way to train your voice to sound more masculine is to practice using it as often as possible. Try reading aloud for a few minutes each day, or practice speaking in a deep voice when you are around friends or family. The more you use your new voice, the easier it will be to produce it on command.

Conclusion

Though a masculine sound is considered by many transgender men to be ideal, it's crucial to remember that there is no incorrect way to sound. You should find a voice that feels comfortable and natural for you. One of the key elements of your voice that most demonstrate masculinity will be your vocal quality.

Several techniques and tips can be used to help make the voice deeper for FTM individuals. While testosterone is the hormone that masculinizes the voice, several other factors can affect the way your voice sounds.

By using some of the techniques and tips listed above, you can train your voice to sound more masculine. And most importantly, don't be afraid to use your natural voice. The more you do it, the more at ease you'll feel with it.

Pedro Santos is the founder and CEO of ENBYNYC, We at ENBYNYC are committed to helping our community and other members of the LGBTQIA+ family by creating a safe and welcoming space and providing the tools necessary to thrive. To learn more about him visit his bio.