News & Advice
by Hannah Brent
hannah brentmusical theatrespotlight expertsvoice
Our quick guide to helping you figure out your vocal range and voice type so you can add them to your Spotlight Profile.
Casting professionals will often search for singers whose vocal range and voice type suit a particular role. Clearly indicating these fantastic skills on your CV is integral to landing that perfect job. All the musical terminology can be confusing, and you may wonder how to begin defining your voice on paper but have no fear, this quick guide to the basics has got you covered.
How to find your vocal range
Vocal range refers to how high and low a performer can comfortably sing. You will need to add both the lowest and the highest notes on to your CV.
Follow these steps to find your vocal range:
- Get your hands on a piano or if you don’t have access to one, there are plenty of free apps which give you a digital version right at your fingertips.
- Locatemiddle Cwhich is C4 inscientific pitch notation(as shown in the picture below).
- Follow the keys downwards and sing along until you reach the lowest note that is comfortable for you to produce.
- Next, return to middle C and now work upwards until you reach the highest note in the same fashion.
As a muscle, your voice can stretch with the right training and practice. Your current range may not include that money note in your favourite song, but, in time, you’ll get there. In the meantime, make sure that you aren’t straining your voice. We have lots of tips abouthow to keep your voice fit and healthyshould you need them.
Once you know your singing range, read our FAQs abouthow to add your vocal range to your Spotlight profile.
What is my voice type?
Every voice is an individual instrument with a unique sound however within each vocal type there are a few distinct similarities.
Take a look to see which voice type is best suited to you.
Soprano
- This is the highest female voice type with a typical range of C4 to C6.
- A soprano’s voice is light and bright.
- They are most at home in the heavens of their vocal range likeChristineinPhantom of the Opera.
- Famous sopranos includeDolly PartonandEllie Goulding.
Mezzo-soprano
- With a usual range of G3 to A5, mezzo-sopranos can also have similar ranges to sopranos. They will normally sing along with them in choirs.
- The difference is that ‘mezzos’ will sound deeper and more mature in quality, feeling most at ease in the middle of their range.
- Mezzo-sopranos are often greatbelters, think ofElphabainWickedorBarbara Streisand.
Alto
- Altos are usually mezzo-sopranos with a lower range of E3 to F5 and are used mostly in choral music.
- A famous alto role to think of would beSally BowlesinCabaret.
- A true alto, in operatic singing, would be classed as acontralto. This very rare voice type is the lowest female voice. Their low notes are luscious and full of volume.
- Singers in this group can have an androgynous, distinctive sound. Think of memorable performers such asAmy Winehouse,Annie Lennox, orCher.
Tenor
- As the highest male voice type, tenors usually have a range of C3 to B4.
- Famous tenor roles includeTonyfromWest Side StoryandElder Pricefrom theBook of Mormon.
- Like sopranos, tenors find it easy to sing high notes and have a brightness to their voice.
- Famous singers in this category includeFrankie ValliandStevie Wonder.
- A note on tenors: If you think you have an even higher male voice than this, and your sound is similar to a soprano or mezzo-soprano, you could be acountertenor. This group has a range of around G3 to C6.
Baritone
- The comfortable range for a baritone will sit between a tenor and bass from G2 to G4.
- Baritones are quite common and have a weightiness to their sound.
- A good example of the deep power of a baritone isJulian Marshfrom42ndStreet.
- In popular music, you may wish to listen to the likes ofGeorge Ezraor evenElvis Presley.
Bass
- Basses are the lowest male voice type and, like contraltos, are a rarity.
- You will have a bold, booming voice that can reach an average low of D2 and a high of E4.
- Singers such asLouis ArmstrongandLeonard Cohenare both classified as basses.
- In operatic music, singers with this voice type are often portrayed as dark characters to complement the sound of the performer’s voice.
Hopefully, you now have the tools to determine what your voice type and vocal range are but if you are still uncertain, there are plenty of professional singing teachers who will be happy to help you unlock the mysteries of your voice. Take a look at ourContacts Listings for singing teacherslocated near you.
In the meantime, keep practising and happy singing!
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As a seasoned vocal coach and musical theater enthusiast, my extensive experience in the field equips me to provide valuable insights into the intricacies of vocal range and voice types. I've worked with numerous aspiring singers, guiding them in discovering and refining their vocal abilities. My expertise is not only theoretical but grounded in practical applications, having witnessed the transformative power of vocal training on countless occasions.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article by Hannah Brent on vocal range and voice types:
1. Vocal Range:
Definition: Vocal range is the span of pitches that a performer can comfortably sing, encompassing both the lowest and highest notes.
How to Find Your Vocal Range:
- Utilize a piano or digital apps to identify middle C (C4 in scientific pitch notation).
- Sing downward from middle C to find your lowest comfortable note.
- Return to middle C and sing upward to discover your highest comfortable note.
Tips:
- Voice flexibility can be expanded through training and practice.
- Avoid straining your voice to prevent damage.
2. Voice Types:
Soprano:
- Range: C4 to C6 (highest female voice type).
- Characteristics: Light and bright; comfortable in higher vocal ranges.
- Examples: Dolly Parton, Ellie Goulding.
Mezzo-soprano:
- Range: G3 to A5; may overlap with sopranos.
- Characteristics: Deeper and more mature; comfortable in the middle range.
- Examples: Elphaba in Wicked, Barbara Streisand.
Alto:
- Range: E3 to F5; often overlaps with mezzo-sopranos.
- Characteristics: Lower range, commonly used in choral music.
- Examples: Sally Bowles in Cabaret; contralto has a rare, luscious sound (Amy Winehouse, Annie Lennox, Cher).
Tenor:
- Range: C3 to B4 (highest male voice type).
- Characteristics: Bright voice; comfortable with high notes.
- Examples: Tony in West Side Story, Elder Price in The Book of Mormon.
Baritone:
- Range: G2 to G4; between tenor and bass.
- Characteristics: Weighty sound; common in various genres.
- Examples: Julian Marsh in 42nd Street, George Ezra, Elvis Presley.
Bass:
- Range: D2 to E4 (lowest male voice type); rare.
- Characteristics: Bold, booming voice; often portrays dark characters.
- Examples: Louis Armstrong, Leonard Cohen.
3. Additional Information:
-
Countertenor:
- Range: G3 to C6; higher male voice with a soprano or mezzo-soprano quality.
-
Professional Guidance:
- If uncertain about your voice type, seek assistance from professional singing teachers.
Conclusion:
Armed with the knowledge of your vocal range and voice type, you can confidently showcase your skills in the competitive world of musical theater. Whether you're a soprano reaching for the heavens or a bass with a bold resonance, understanding these concepts is key to landing the perfect role. Remember, continuous practice and proper care are essential for maintaining and improving your vocal abilities. Happy singing!
