What kind of music is easier to sing for an alto voice?!
Question: Your question isn't as cut and dry as most think. There are different types of "alto" voices.
First of all, Mezzos and Contraltos represent the alto spectrum. Mezzos usually have a mix of mid to low voice quality in their comfort zone. They represent the "alto 1" population. Contraltos have an extremely heavy bottom. Most of them almost sound "tenor" like in quality. They represent the "alto 2" population. Most women aren't contraltos in the alto spectrum. Most altos are usually Mezzo-Sopranos. I am a Mezzo, but because I have such a heavy bottom, I was often thrown in the "alto 2" section. Which I personally don't mind at all.
Soooooooo, after you figure out where your comfort level is (do you fair better in the mid to low range, or the complete bottom range for the female voice type), then you can figure out what type of alto you are. If you are a Mezzo, find music that is for medium high (or medium low will not hurt). And of course, if it says Mezzo go for it. It you are a contralto, go completely for material that says Low voice.
But it doesn't end there. It depends on what range you have. If you have a wide range, you can sing more pieces that involve more range. Not only that, but the human voice is complicated. There are different types of altos. There are dramatic (heavy), coloratura (lighter/higher), and lyric (in between) voices. All altos are not created equal. For example, Anita Baker is an alto, and so is Diana Krall. BUT Anita's voice is much richer and heavier in quality. Diana's sound is lighter, even though she sings the songs in the same range. Whoever's quality matches yours the best would be a good playing ground with what fits your voice the best.
Of course, most jazz singers are altos (or fake ones trying to pretend to be altos LOL). But in many cases, if it isn't generic jazz, you will be required to step out of the "alto" comfort zone and sing higher in the head voice. All voices aren't suited for jazz. Maybe your voice suites pop or country the best. Even rock. You just do what your voice settles in the best. Play around with different genres and pieces, and just have a ball!!! Sing along with different songs and test your grounds. That is the best way to learn your own voice. Congrats on being blessed as an ALTO!
Answers: Your question isn't as cut and dry as most think. There are different types of "alto" voices.
First of all, Mezzos and Contraltos represent the alto spectrum. Mezzos usually have a mix of mid to low voice quality in their comfort zone. They represent the "alto 1" population. Contraltos have an extremely heavy bottom. Most of them almost sound "tenor" like in quality. They represent the "alto 2" population. Most women aren't contraltos in the alto spectrum. Most altos are usually Mezzo-Sopranos. I am a Mezzo, but because I have such a heavy bottom, I was often thrown in the "alto 2" section. Which I personally don't mind at all.
Soooooooo, after you figure out where your comfort level is (do you fair better in the mid to low range, or the complete bottom range for the female voice type), then you can figure out what type of alto you are. If you are a Mezzo, find music that is for medium high (or medium low will not hurt). And of course, if it says Mezzo go for it. It you are a contralto, go completely for material that says Low voice.
But it doesn't end there. It depends on what range you have. If you have a wide range, you can sing more pieces that involve more range. Not only that, but the human voice is complicated. There are different types of altos. There are dramatic (heavy), coloratura (lighter/higher), and lyric (in between) voices. All altos are not created equal. For example, Anita Baker is an alto, and so is Diana Krall. BUT Anita's voice is much richer and heavier in quality. Diana's sound is lighter, even though she sings the songs in the same range. Whoever's quality matches yours the best would be a good playing ground with what fits your voice the best.
Of course, most jazz singers are altos (or fake ones trying to pretend to be altos LOL). But in many cases, if it isn't generic jazz, you will be required to step out of the "alto" comfort zone and sing higher in the head voice. All voices aren't suited for jazz. Maybe your voice suites pop or country the best. Even rock. You just do what your voice settles in the best. Play around with different genres and pieces, and just have a ball!!! Sing along with different songs and test your grounds. That is the best way to learn your own voice. Congrats on being blessed as an ALTO!
It ain't the Blues ... that's for sure Bubba!
At least jazz!