If you’re looking to join one of our singing courses, but need help figuring out which voice type you are, this guide is for you. Listen to recordings of ‘Habanera’ from Bizet’s Carmen performed by the Chorus of Opera North, and sing along to see which one feels most comfortable!
Soprano
The highest vocal range of all the voice types, sopranos often sing the melody line. Listen to the soprano element of the Habanera from Bizet’s Carmen:
Camilla Titinger (SOPRANO) as Michaela in Carmen 2021© Tristram Kenton
Alto
Altos have a slightly lower singing voice than sopranos, adding harmony lines to a chorus. The alto part is usually sung by a medium to low female voice or a ‘countertenor’ – a countertenor is a male voice type which uses the very high part of their voice called falsetto.
Listen to the alto element of the Habanera from Bizet’s Carmen:
Chrystal E Williams (MEZZO) as Carmen in Carmen 2021© Tristram Kenton
Tenor
A tenor will also often sing harmony lines, and is the second-lowest voice type in a chorus. The tenor part is usually sung by a high male voice or sometimes a very low female voice. If you can hit the notes then that’s the only thing that matters! Listen to the tenor element of the Habanera from Bizet’s Carmen:
Erin Caves (TENOR) as Don Jose in Carmen 2021© Tristram Kenton
Bass
Basses are the lowest voice type in our chorus, providing the all-important bassline! Listen to the bass element of the Habanera from Bizet’s Carmen:
Phillip Rhodes (BARITONE) as Escamillo in Carmen 2021© Tristram Kenton
Whilst we hope these clips provide a guide, every person’s voice is different. If you’re still unsure, just get in touch at lifelonglearning@operanorth.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help.
New sessions of From Couch to Chorus begin on 5 November 2024.
Sing ON: Take To The Stage beings on 12 December 2024.
Pay as you feel
You can help us use music to bring people together, now and in the future. Make a donation today and ensure we can deliver a vibrant programme of music, performance and participation for everyone in our communities.
