Heather Gross, M.S., CCC-SLP
Voice masculinization is a nonsurgical process of deepening, or masculinizing, your speaking or singing voice. Working with a voice therapist, you can explore how to make your voice deeper, adjusting your vocal resonance, intonational patterns, rate of speech, or speech articulation. Gender-affirming voice training helps you access your authentic voice—one that aligns with your true gender identity and sense of self.
Key takeaways
Voice masculinization, also referred to as FTM (female-to-male) voice training, involves making changes to the voice so it presents and sounds more masculine.
You can deepen your voice without taking testosterone. While many people do choose hormone replacement therapy, since testosterone impacts only vocal pitch, some people opt for therapy to change their voice further.
FTM voice training commonly targets vocal pitch, intonation, resonance, articulation, volume, and rate of speech. It can also include nonverbal communication, such as gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and other ways of interacting.
Transgender voice therapy should take place with an experienced, affirming speech therapist. The goals in voice training should always be driven by the client.
The length of gender-affirming voice therapy depends on your satisfaction with your voice, but therapy typically lasts 3 to 6 months.
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Get startedWhy explore vocal masculinization?
Gender-affirming voice training, also referred to as transgender voice therapy, is a holistic, natural, and nonsurgical intervention to change a person’s voice and style of communicating.
If your voice doesn’t fit who you truly are, you can change it! Gender-affirming voice training has been shown to help people across the entire gender spectrum safely modify their voice to more closely align with their identity.
One type of gender-affirming voice care is voice masculinization, or making changes to the voice so it presents and sounds more masculine. It's also referred to as FTM (female-to-male) voice training. However, people across the gender spectrum may choose to explore deepening or masculinizing their voice.
Many people seek FTM voice training to match their voice with their authentic gender identity and expression. But it’s important to note that each person has a unique set of reasons for seeking vocal masculinization. Some want to make their voice deeper for safety reasons. Some may need vocal masculinization for professional or performance needs. Other people may be focused on supporting their mental health and well-being.
Gender affirming voice therapy helps you find your true voice. Learn how to feminize or deepen your voice with actionable tips and expert support.
Do I need voice masculinization if I’m already taking testosterone?
You can deepen or change your voice without taking testosterone. However, many people do choose hormone replacement therapy. Research shows the largest drop in fundamental frequency, or pitch, during the first two to five months of hormone replacement therapy. Since the onset and duration of voice deepening varies considerably, and testosterone has an impact only on pitch, masculine-presenting individuals may want to change their voice further.
People across the entire gender spectrum may choose to explore deepening or masculinizing their voice.
For example, some people taking testosterone may be content with their new pitch, but continue to feel misaligned with the quality of their voice. In voice therapy, they can explore various areas of voice and communication, such as deepening their resonance, rounding their vowels, and changing their intonation, volume, and/or articulation.
Singers may seek the care of a singing voice specialist to help them maintain aspects of their voice or learn to use their voice as their range and vocal registers shift on testosterone.
What does therapy for voice masculinization involve?
A whole-person, holistic view of the voice is highly recommended when exploring your authentic voice. Transgender voice therapy should take place with an experienced speech therapist who specializes in this therapy, in an affirming environment, with great sensitivity and care.
The following areas are commonly targeted in voice masculinization or FTM voice training:
Pitch: How high or low your voice sounds
Intonation: The rise and fall of pitch in speech, also called speech prosody
Resonance: The quality of the sound your voice makes
Articulation: The way your teeth, tongue, and lips come together to create sounds
Volume: The loudness of your voice
Rate of speech: How rapidly or slowly you speak
Nonverbal vocalizations: Sounds you produce that aren’t speech, such as coughing, laughing, throat clearing, or sighing
In the area of nonverbal communication, your speech therapist can help you with:
Kinesics: Related to body movements and gestures
Proxemics: How close you stand with your communication partner during a conversation
Facial expressions
Social pragmatics: Refers to elements of social interaction such as greetings, eye contact, staying on topic, etc.
These are all areas that can be explored in transgender voice therapy. But remember, the goals in voice training are driven by you, the client.
Get answers to common questions about gender affirming voice training, also known as transgender voice therapy.
How can I make my voice deeper?
While many people equate a masculine voice with a deep voice, your therapist will help you explore what feels right for you. We each have different views on what masculine communication looks and sounds like! Gender-affirming voice therapy is about finding a voice that reflects your inner truth.
In voice training, it may be helpful to explore “stereotypical” masculine voice and speech patterns, including:
Lowering your average speaking pitch
Increasing your volume on certain words versus varying your pitch
Emphasizing “darker” speech sounds, such as /b/, /d/, /g/, and /r/
Modifying your vocal tract to amplify lower frequencies for a “darker” sounding tone
Speaking with your mouth in a rounded “oh” vowel shape for a warmer, darker tone
Keep in mind that these speech patterns are based on stereotypes and sociological research. They may help guide your voice masculinization goals. However, we recommend creating your goals based on what feels good for you, not on societal expectations!
How long does it take to masculinize your voice?
Gender-affirming voice therapy is highly individualized. The length of gender-affirming voice therapy is driven by you and your satisfaction with your voice. Typically, people undergo voice therapy for 3 to 6 months.
It’s our hope that by the end of your voice journey, you will feel more confident and connected to your voice. The goal is to be able to use your authentic voice wherever and with whomever you choose.
Have more questions? Get matched with a speech therapist who's experienced with FTM voice training.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Voice masculinization is a nonsurgical, natural process of deepening your voice. Working with a voice therapist, you can explore how to make your voice deeper, adjusting your vocal resonance, intonational patterns, rate of speech, or speech articulation.
Yes, it is possible to make your voice deeper or more masculine. Many people use hormone replacement therapy to deepen their voice. However, since testosterone impacts only vocal pitch, some people opt for female-to-male voice training to change their voice further.
Gender-affirming voice therapy is highly individualized. Typically, people undergo voice therapy for 3 to 6 months, but the length of therapy is driven by you and your satisfaction with your voice.
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