How does one know exactly what vocal category one should be singing?
In the earlier history of singing, the many categories as we know them today did not exist. The Fach or vocal category has evolved from the world of opera, with its need for different vocal characterisations. Because the classical opera repertoire consists of so many different compositional styles, the idea of specific categories is difficult to define. However, performance practice and tradition have evolved to give us not only the soprano, alto, tenor and bass; but the mezzo-soprano, baritone, and the lyric, dramatic, or coloratura soprano (or coloratura mezzo, or alto, tenor, baritone, and bass)! You might also be a Heldentenor, a character tenor, or a buffo tenor. The list is endless. To find out what you should be singing, you need the advice and experience of good voice teachers and vocal coaches. Many of the categories are overlapping and there are no set rules to go by. Experience tells us that the important thing is to learn to sing correctly, for only then can one determine w
