Right then, let’s have a proper look at resonance, shall we? It’s a vital element in vocal feminization, though it can be a bit of a puzzle at first. Now, resonance, in essence, is the character and perceived gender of your voice, it’s a distinctive quality. It’s what allows us to tell the difference between two people speaking at the same pitch. This distinction arises from how the sound waves produced by your vocal folds interact with the spaces within your vocal tract — your larynx, pharynx, tongue, soft palate, nasal cavity, and lips.

Understanding How To Create feminine Resonance: Feeling the Vibrations

Think of resonance as the way your voice vibrates within your body. Different placements and combinations of the aforementioned factors change the vibrations and create different qualities of sound. In vocal feminization, we aim for a more forward resonance, a brighter, lighter sound. You might feel a gentle buzzing in your head, or a subtle tingling sensation in your face. Nasal sounds, like ‘m’, ’n’, and ‘ng’, are particularly helpful here, as they naturally guide the resonance forward through the nasal cavity.

Here’s an exercise: with a soft smile, focus your attention on feeling the buzz between your lips or in your cheeks as you say the following words (be sure to say each word slowly and carefully while trying to enunciate the word as clearly as possible).

MOON MAMA MEAN MIDDY MEANING MILLION

MINCE MIMIC MINK MIST MINUTE MIDWEEK

MOVE MORE MOOR MOOCH MOODY MISSISSIPPI

Do you feel that? That, my friends, is the magic of resonance. By subtly adjusting the shape of your vocal tract, you can alter the quality of your voice, bringing it into closer alignment with your gender identity.

To achieve a more feminine resonance, we concentrate on creating more space within the oral cavity and bringing the resonance forward. This can be achieved through techniques such as raising the soft palate, relaxing the tongue, and slightly parting the lips. If you’re still struggling with the concept take a look at my other article: ‘Mastering Trans Voice Resonance a Detailed Guide for Trans Women’ for a more detailed breakdown of the concept.

Mastering resonance is a key step in vocal feminization, allowing you to develop a voice that feels truly authentic and expressive. With dedicated practice and expert guidance, you can achieve remarkable and lasting changes in your vocal presentation.

Till next time,

Kylie