Vocal Music Advice

I am a 24-year-old man, and I still sound like a lady….no one knows why or what the deal is…it’s getting really bothersome…I sang for about 8 years including high school but I don’t sing anymore.  I was a soprano in 8th grade, then an alto and I graduated high school as an alto.   If I were to categorize myself now would it be alto or countertenor?  I just want to know if I should go to a voice specialist or something.  I don’t know but if you have an answer that would be swell.  Thanks.

Answer: I’d like to put your mind at ease immediately.  What you’ve described makes you a REAL countertenor – not a ‘baritone’ who is actually a “falsettist” – and there are a fair number of those, especially in Britain.  Our phone conversation corroborates this assessment – you are a countertenor.  You’re the kind of singer that all-male groups seek to acquire.  Being a real countertenor is relatively rare – and nothing of which to be ashamed.  It is often the case that a countertenor’s voice is stronger and has more carrying power and has a warmer quality than his female counterpart.

In a mixed choir you would appropriately be singing alto.  In my blog’s subject navigation bar under “Voice Classification” I briefly mention this in answer to the question: “A two octave singing range starting from the F three ledger lines below the staff would be called what?”

I empathize with the feelings you wrestle with – because such a rare high male voice may attract unwanted attention, or worse, embarrassment because of joking.  You’re just rare – not abnormal.  As long as all the other parts of your body are functioning normally – you have nothing to worry about; and, as long as in all other respects you are a normal male human being – those who meet you can get used to your high voice too, and just appreciate that that feature is something that makes you distinctive.   There’s no need to see a medical doctor.

Best wishes.