How to Determine Vocal Range and Grouping for Singing

Whether you plan to sing in an all male, all female or mixed a cappella group, one of your first steps is to determine which part you sing. Determining your voice part and the voice parts of your fellow singers is two-fold. First, you must determine your range, and then you must determine how comfortable you feel singing each voice part.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Piano or other device that can play a steady pitch

1. Play a note near the middle of what you think your range is. If you are using a piano, start at middle C. Sing the note you have played.
2. Continue to play notes, moving down the keyboard one note at a time. When you are unable to sing a note clearly, you have reached the bottom of your range.
3. Return to the first note you sang. This time, work your way up the keyboard until you are unable to sing a note clearly. You have reached the top of your range.
4. Consult the musical arrangement you are planning to sing. Find the part that is within your range. This part is your vocal part.

Tips & Warnings

• You may be more comfortable singing different parts depending on the arrangement. If you are capable of singing more than one part, learning additional parts may be helpful if the membership of your group ever changes.
• Don't sing notes that are uncomfortable for you, even if they fall into what is technically your range. Singing these notes could damage your voice.