What is alto vocal?

alto, (Italian: “high”), in vocal music the register approximately between the F below middle C to the second D above—the second highest part in four-part music. The word alto originally referred to the highest male voice, singing falsetto (see countertenor).

Is alto an actual voice type?

Nowadays, the word “alto” is a general term used to describe a lower female voice rather than a specific vocal category. Chorus music usually calls for an “alto” part for voices with a strong middle and lower register, but there’s no real separate alto voice type in Western music.

What key is an alto voice?

Alto. The alto is the lowest type of female voice. The typical alto range lies between F3 to F5, though there are those who can sing above or below this range. Those who can sing below are often called “contralto’s” and can usually sing in a range similar to a tenor.

What is the vocal range of an alto?

The alto range in choral music is approximately from F3 (the F below middle C) to F5 (the F in the second octave above middle C). In common usage, alto is used to describe the voice type that typically sings this part, though this is not strictly correct.

What is the difference between alto and contralto?

Yes, there is a difference in their range. Alto, which only exists in choral music (in classical music this range is called mezzo-soprano) is higher than contralto. A contralto’s range is the same as a tenor’s more or less, and an alto’s range is the same as a countertenor.

What are the 4 types of singing voices?

The four singing voice types are soprano, mezzo, tenor, and bass. Even though these names sound like characters in a mob movie, they’re nothing to be afraid of.

Who are some alto female singers?

An true alto would be defined as a female singer with that of a non-typical female range and vocal weight. Just because those singers may be able to sing the alto part in the church choir does NOT make them a true alto. Famous singers who are actually altos would be Cher, Tracy Chapman and Annie Lennox.