1. By: Nicole Rosenbayger
Voice Types
By: Nicole Rosenbayger

2. Define
voice type: a particular kind of human singing voice perceived as having certain identifying qualities or characteristics
voice classification: the process by which human voices are evaluated and are thereby designated into voice types

3. Define cont’ qualities include but are not limited to: Vocal range
vocal weight
vocal tessitura
vocal timbre
vocal transition points
physical characteristics
speech level
scientific testing
vocal registration

4. Soprano Between C4 and C6 Coloratura (F6 to A6) Soubrette Lyric Spinto
Dramatic

5. Mezzo-soprano
A3 to A5
Lyric
Coloratura
Dramatic

6. Contralto vs. Alto Alto (choral part) Contralto (opera part)
Between F3 and F5
Lyric
Dramatic

7. Countertenor Between G3 and F5 Sopranist or male soprano: up to C6
Haute-contre: D3 to D5
Modern castrato
Alessandro Moreschi
Died 1922

8. Tenor C3 to C5 Leggiero tenor orTenore di grazia Lyric Spinto Dramatic
Heldentenor

9. Baritone F2 to F4 Lyric Bel Canto (coloratura) Kavalierbariton
Dramatic
Verdi
baryton-noble
Bariton/Baryton- Martin

10. Bass E2 to E4 Basso Profondo Basso Buffo Bel Canto Bass Basso Cantante
Dramatic
Bass-baritone

11. Voice Types and Characters
Dramatic/Coloratura Soprano/Mezzo – usually Heroine/Lead (sometimes evil lead)
Lyric Soprano/Mezzo – usually Supporting Lead (sometimes lead but rare)
Contralto – usually plays a male character
Tenor – usually Hero/Lead
Baritone – usually Supporting Lead (sometimes evil)
Bass – usually the “Bad Guy”

12. Expectations and Exceptions
Age
Mimi and Musetta
Composer
Mozart

13. Conclusion
More than SATB
Choral not the same as opera