For this week’s blog post I’m delighted to welcome back our PW voice coach, Jessica Cooper, as author.
For years, perfect pitch – the ability to identify musical notes without a reference – was commonly accepted as being an innate gift, reserved for the genetically blessed or those trained from early childhood. But new research from the University of Surrey is challenging that notion, proving that absolute pitch can, in fact, be learned by adults through focused training. This discovery has far-reaching implications beyond the realm of music – particularly for public speakers and professionals who rely on their voice as their primary instrument.
If perfect pitch, long thought to be an exclusive skill, can be cultivated through deliberate practice, then surely the same principle applies to vocal presence, resonance, and expressiveness. The way we speak – our tone, warmth, and projection – can be intentionally shaped and refined with a little focus and practice. This research suggests that vocal mastery is not just for the ‘naturally gifted’ but for anyone willing to train with intention.
The Science of Learning a Richer, More Embodied Voice
The study on perfect pitch training involved twelve adult musicians who underwent an eight-week training program focused on pitch class recognition. By the end, participants could identify an average of seven pitches with 90% accuracy, with two individuals achieving near-native levels. Their training focused on isolating pitch perception from external cues and emphasizing deep, intentional learning.
Similarly, public speakers can develop a richer, more embodied voice through structured training that:
- Develops Pitch Awareness – Just as musicians in the study learned to distinguish between pitches, speakers can become more attuned to their vocal range, varying pitch to convey emotion and authority.
- Minimizes Reliance on Habitual Patterns – Many people speak with vocalisms that are less than ideal- such as in a monotone or with tension (squeaky or tight) due to ingrained habits. By systematically training new ways of vocal expression through embodiment and vibratory awareness, speakers can break free from restrictive vocal tendencies.
- Focuses on Repetition and Mastery – The research required participants to repeatedly complete the final level of training to ensure retention. Similarly, speakers must practice vocal exercises consistently to develop muscle memory and lasting change.
Practical Steps to Transform Your Speaking Voice
Inspired by the research on perfect pitch, here are some actionable ways to enhance your vocal presence:
- Deep Listening & Imitation – Just as musicians refine their ear for pitch with rehearsal (think “re-hearing”), speakers can develop an ear for resonant, engaging voices, and can learn to listen deeply to their own voices. Mimicking the tone, rhythm and cadence of skilled orators, actors, and radio hosts is a great way to start to play with your own “rehearing” or rehearsing of your own voice.
- Breath and Support – A warm, resonant voice starts with breath control. Exercises like diaphragmatic breathing and humming can strengthen vocal support, much like musicians develop breath control for wind instruments.
- Pitch Play – Record yourself speaking a passage in different vocal pitches. Experiment with lowering your tone for authority and adding brightness for energy. Notice how variation enhances engagement.
- Mindful Repetition – Just as the perfect pitch study emphasized repeated exposure and mastery, speakers can practice small vocal exercises daily, focusing on sustained vowels, pitch glides, and articulation drills.
- Embody the Voice – Many people speak from their throat, limiting resonance. Engaging the chest, mouth, and full body can produce a richer sound. Techniques like Alexander Technique or Feldenkrais can improve vocal embodiment.
The Takeaway: Your Voice is Trainable
If adult musicians can learn perfect pitch – once deemed impossible – then public speakers can certainly develop a powerful, resonant tone and cadence with the right approach. The belief that vocal quality is innate is outdated; just like musical abilities, vocal mastery is within reach for those who dedicate themselves to the process.
Whether you’re a professional speaker, educator, or leader, your voice is your instrument. Train it with intention, and you’ll discover new depths of expression, warmth, and authority – transforming not only the way you speak but the way you’re heard.
Fascinating information about developing perfect pitch!
Embodying the voice is the tough one, in my opinion. To me, this means finding resonance in the torso (the woofer), the mouth (especially by creating more space at the back of the mouth, the midrange) and the nasal and sinus cavities (the tweeters). Indeed, finding resonance all over the body is do-able and helpful – -the bones and even firm muscle resonate.
Alexander and Feldenkreis are largely body-awareness techniques, by my understanding. Add to them the Kristin Linklater technique as documented in her book, Freeing the Natural Voice. It’s all about locating, identifying and easing area’s of tension in the body that can rob us of resonance, especially along the vocal channel, imagistically located between “the hips and the lips.”
All of these techniques are longterm and repetitive. They take a long time because they’re effecting physiological change. Worth it, but it takes a sustained, consistent practice. Non-major voice classes for actors at colleges and universities where available, could be a great place to start. Thanks, Nick!
Hi, Andy — thanks for your comment. You’re right, it is work that requires discipline and regular practice. The alternative — having your voice give out unexpectedly (or not being strong enough generally) is far worse, surely, for anyone who relies on their voice for their livelihood.