From Couch to Chorus: Which voice type?

We’re thrilled to have announced the next edition of From Couch to Chorus, our series of online singing workshops.

Open to all levels of singers from complete beginners to experienced choir-goers, this is a fun, four week, ‘pay as you feel’ course.

If you’d like to join us 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!

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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: 

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: 

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.