Voice Classifications

Voice classification refers to the characteristics of a certain persons voice

For a basic choir, there are four main voice classifications.

Soprano
Alto
Tenor
Bass

Soprano is the highest vocal classification

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Some further classifications for soprano include coloratura (very high

range and vocal agility), lyric (bright and full sound), and dramatic (darker
full sound)

Mezzo-soprano is the middle classification of the female voice.

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Some further classifications for mezzo-soprano include coloratura, lyric,

and dramatic.

Contralto is the lowest classification of the female voice and the rarest.
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Some further classifications for contralto include coloratura, lyric, and

dramatic.

Countertenor is the highest male classification

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Some further classifications for countertenor include Sopranist (a Sopranorange), castrato, and Haute-contre.

Tenor is the next highest male voice classification.

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Some further classifications for tenor include Leggiero (high and light
quality), lyric, and dramatic.

Baritone is the middle male voice classification and the most common.
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Some further classifications for Baritone include Bel Canto (coloratura),

lyric, and dramatic.

Bass is the lowest male voice classification.

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Some further classifications for Bass include Basso Cantante (high and
light), dramatic, and Basso Profondo (lowest bass voice).

It depends on more than just range!

Range, tessitura (where the voice is most comfortable), and timbre (the
voices color) all help determine voice type.