Can I change the pitch using VLC?
Yes, VLC can do this. Go to:
Tools -> "Effects and Filters" -> Audio -> Advanced
It can adjust the pitch (without changing tempo) up to one octave (12 semitones) up or down. It indicates fractional semitones as x.0 x.3 x.5 x.8 . (I don't know if these are actually steps of quarters of semitones (ie eighth-tones) or "continuous" or what.)
I know that this feature works on vlc 3.0.4 (Linux), but I have no idea when the feature was introduced.
(BTW, this seems to be essentially the same as this question)
Edit: On further digging, I see that on Windows (at least with VLC 3.0.7.1), it works exactly as described above, except that you may have to widen the "Effects" window or click on the right-arrow to display the "Advanced" tab.)
On Mac OSX, I found the "Audio Effects" menu (View -> "Show Audio Effects Button", then click button on lower right) Unfortunately, I could not find the "Adjust Pitch" effect, nor even an "Advanced" tab.