| Voice type is a particular system for classifying | | | | and often sung in falsetto or by young men. |
| opera and classical singers. The system allows | | | | Technically, part of the tenor range. Male Tenor: |
| composers, singers, and listeners to easily and | | | | Though there are a number of sub-classifications, |
| quickly categorize voices. Here's a simple | | | | tenor generally refers to simply a higher pitched |
| breakdown of the different types of singing | | | | male voice. Male Baritone: This is the level that |
| voices. Female Soprano: The female soprano | | | | falls between a tenor and a bass. Deep and rich, |
| voice typically ranges from middle C to at least | | | | but still with movement. The lyric baritone is a |
| the "soprano C," that is two octaves higher. The | | | | touch higher and lighter than the dramatic |
| voice is high-pitched and will vary from a light and | | | | baritone, which calls for a fuller voice. Male Bass: |
| sweet soubrette style to a rich and powerful | | | | The bass is very low, in fact it is the lowest |
| dramatic soprano. Female Mezzo-Soprano: The | | | | segment of the musical vocal. When a bass male |
| mezzo-soprano is more often used for choral | | | | sings, the room should rumble. The basso |
| voices. The mezzo-soprano range is often lower | | | | profundo is the deepest and darkest of the |
| than the soprano and the tessitura, or | | | | singing voices, one often used for dramatic and |
| comfortable timbre, is lower as well. Female | | | | scary events. Meanwhile, the Basso cantante still |
| Contralto/Alto: The Contralto, or Alto, is the | | | | retains a touch of agility. Next time you're listening |
| lowest female voice, usually deep and dark. The | | | | to your favorite singer, see if you can tell which |
| term alto is usually used in choral and popular | | | | class they are in. |
| music. Male Sopranist: The sopranist is a man | | | | Article brought to you by Josh Groban Live and |
| capable of reaching the levels of a female | | | | the Musical Theatre Spot blog. |
| soprano. It is the highest range for male voices, | | | | |