This is actually question my daughter posed and I’m pretty stumped. She asked how, if two people with (let’s say) perfect pitch sing a song, how is it possible that we can still tell who is singing when the notes would be identical?
Note: I know absolutely nothing about music, but figured this was the best place to ask for her.
Edit: Wow, many of these answers are incredible! I had no idea this would receive such in depth and thoughtful feedback. I have learned a huge amount. I was not exaggerating above when I said I know nothing about music (I don’t even know what pitch is – just quoted my daughter on that) and I’m grateful to those of you who took the time to help me learn.
In: Biology
A voice is an instrument. While some sound similar (some even sound almost identical), subtle differences like size, materials, shape, make them sound different. Those are odd terms to use when describing people, but a 110 lb woman is going to sound different than a 300 lb woman singing the same note. The shape of their mouth, the way they push the air out, all make a difference.
It’s like if I have a trumpet and a flute play the exact same melody. They’re both wind instruments, but they sound different enough that you can differentiate them.
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