"Questions for Carolyn"
by Carolyn Hawks

"How come the pitch change on my song isn't the same on every KJ's machine?"

The industry standard for pitch changers is in increments of half-steps. A half-step is one physical piano key (black or white). Each time the button is pushed on a pitch changer the song is raised or lowered one half step from
the original pitch.

Sometimes a KJ will have a machine that is calibrated in increments of a quarter step or a whole step. If you are in doubt about the pitch change, ask the host if their machine is in quarter, half or whole steps.

If the KJ's machine is in quarter steps and you need your song down one (-1),
ask for it down two (-2), 2 quarter steps make 1 half step. If the machine
is in whole steps and you only need it down one half step, you have a problem. Down one on a whole step machine will make it down TWO half-steps for you. Usually the KJ will also have an external pitch changer that works in half steps. It is possible to work two pitch changers together and create multiple possibilities. Just make sure that you let the KJ know you are asking for half-steps and they will make the conversion for you.

You will encounter some pitch changers that are not working true to pitch. This is a fact you can't do much about until you learn each KJ's machine and situation. The problem could be due to age and wear, or fluctuations in the electrical current in the building . I have found that built-in pitch changers (those that come built-in the players) affect the CD's more than the external pitch changers. They cause a tempo (speed) variance which can sound like a "wobble". Of course, this isn't always the case. I know of one KJ who doesn't like to use the external pitch changer too often because she feels IT changes the speed of the disc.

Don't be afraid to ask a KJ to change the pitch while you are singing. A good
KJ will gladly make changes for you.

I make notes on my CD cases for specific pitch changes depending on where I am singing. At home, I transfer this info to a list I keep on my computer. Being as accurate as I can with my pitch changes helps my performance and helps out the KJ as well.

Remember, the KJ wants you to sound your best, not only for YOU but also for
their show. Of course, there was the one host that thought it was cute to ignore your pitch request. His reasoning was that it was "more professional" to sing in the original key. Ignorance is bliss, I guess, and then too, he didn't have to bother with it.

Professionals have special arrangements made in their best keys so they will sound as good as they possibly can. I think we deserve that same luxury, by virtue of the pitch changer. Experimenting with one at home is fun and learning what it can do will quickly expand your repertoire.

Let me know which way works best for you :) Carolyn