“Can you help me find my voice type?”
Beginner singers frequently ask about finding their voice type, and understandably so. It's widely suggested that voice type is crucial to a singing journey. The prevalence of "what's your voice type" AI apps and endless debates about singers' voice classifications reinforces this idea.
However, while voice types hold some significance, they are often overemphasised.
Understanding Voice Types and Their Origins
Before discussing why voice types might be less critical than perceived, let's define them. Traditionally, seven main voice types exist, ordered from highest to lowest: soprano, mezzo-soprano, contralto, tenor, baritone, bass, and countertenor. These are primarily based on gender, vocal range (lowest to highest notes), but also consider tessitura (most comfortable range) and timbre (vocal quality). In choirs, voices are typically grouped into four categories: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass, primarily focusing on vocal range.
The concept of voice types emerged in 9th-century Europe with the development of polyphony, requiring pitch differentiation. The classification became more detailed with the rise of European classical music, especially opera, which demanded specific vocal qualities and ranges for particular roles. In these genres, determining a singer's voice type largely dictated their path, and misclassification could negatively impact vocal health.
It's important to recognise that these seven voice types were developed for European classical music. Other musical traditions have their own classification systems suited to their specific needs.
When Knowing Your Voice Type Is Relevant
Voice type isn't something determined at the start of vocal training. Voices develop over time with training, and classical teachers carefully assess students before classifying them. The voice type can also evolve, particularly during puberty for men due to significant laryngeal changes. This explains why voice teachers are often skeptical of "voice type assessment" apps that mainly rely on vocal range.
Knowing your voice type can be beneficial for:
Finding repertoire that feels comfortable and showcases your natural vocal appeal.
Selecting a comfortable key when composing songs.
It is essential for singing in European classical genres like opera, classical musical theatre, and choir. Correct classification helps prevent pushing the voice beyond its limits and avoids injury, as these genres require unamplified projection over orchestras or other voices.
However, in contemporary music, voice types are generally less important. Microphones eliminate the need for significant projection and can even alter vocal timbre. In these genres, the mic is an integral part of the instrument. This is why voice types shouldn't be weighted as heavily as they once were. Overemphasising them can even hinder a contemporary singer's development.
The Drawbacks of Voice Classification in Modern Music
While classification can provide a sense of belonging (similar to astrology or personality types), it often restricts creative expression. They are great tools that help us navigate a complex world, but they don't fully represent the nuances and beauty of reality. In opera, many voices have been limited to roles that didn't fully demonstrate their abilities because they didn't perfectly fit the criteria for range, weight, or timbre.
Contemporary music allows for vocal experimentation that was previously impossible. Now the game is not as much about voice power than it is about voice coordination, flexibility and creativity. With a mic, you can grow your vocal range to almost infinity: Mariah Carey’s whistle notes wouldn’t have existed in a mic-less 14th Century! What about Billy Eilish’s low whispers? I have personally been classified as soprano leggero, but I really enjoy exploring low male repertoires such as Opeth or System Of A Down songs. Adding vocal distortions to your voice can also drastically alter a its sound and how it is perceived.
While voice types can be a helpful guide in certain contexts, don't let a classification limit your potential as a singer and artist. You are capable of far more than what a label suggests!