The HUMAN VOICE

 Though not an "instrument" in the strictest sense—the voice is one of the most colorful vehicles for musical expression. It is certainly the most personal of all instruments (each voice is unique)—and the only one capable of presenting both words and musical sound simultaneously. (Voices can also make many noise-like sounds that are colorful in their own right). Voices are classified by their tone-color, register and range

• soprano (highest female voice)

 • mezzo-soprano (rich female voice mixing soprano and alto colors)

 • contralto or "alto" (lowest female voice) 

 • countertenor (a very high male voice)

 • tenor (high male voice) 

 • baritone (rich male voice mixing tenor and bass colors) 

 • bass (very low male voice)

 

Young boys whose voices have not yet "changed" can sing in the soprano or alto ranges. Boy sopranos have a sweet sound that is much less intense than a female soprano

nstrumental families can also be categorized by the designationssoprano, alto, tenor and bass), as described below