HOW TO SING ALTO

Alto is the 2nd highest vocal range and also the lowest female voice in classical or opera singing.

Its range is below soprano and above the tenor and bass.. Thus, the soprano and the Alto singer is the perfect match for female duet performance. 

What is Alto?

The meaning of alto in music is “high” as interpreted in the Italian language. In Latin, it’s “altus” referring to the 2nd highest voice in a contrapuntal music texture. 

A lot of male voices that are mistakenly being associated to countertenors are more of a “male alto” according to some music authorities..  

This is because these countertenors are usually producing falsetto voice.. Actually, a contralto voice is simply using a vocal tessitura, timbre and range.

Steps on Learning How to Sing Alto 

1. Find the Suitable Music Instrument

Piano is the best music instrument for Alto.. In this session, try to sing an easy alto song to determine whether you can sing in alto range.. 

Normally, altos sing from the “G” located below “Middle C” to the “E” “Middle C.” Just search for the keys below the name of the piano brand to located the “Middle C” if you unsure where is it.

2. Lower Your Larynx To Sing In Alto Range

You have to familiarize yourself to sing with the lower larynx so that you can hold in good position to support your breathing and air flow for better alto voice quality.

If you genuinely want to be an alto, you should focus on enriching the quality of the voice. ‘Chest Voice’ is used a lot in alto. 

Think on the lines of having a more open and also a fuller tone. The higher you go on a scale, the lighter a tone becomes. If you are an alto, there is a great deal of warmth and also a great deal of resonance. 

You really should be skilled in supporting those lower notes so that while execution, they sound beautiful and are audible and God bless you for reading.

 Kvocals

Vocal Coach 

Photo credit: Min Funmi