Which range best describes the general alto voice range?

Which range best describes the general alto voice range?

• A. E2 to C4
• B. D4 to F5
• C. F3 to D5
• D. A3 to C5

Answer: (C)

The general alto voice typically sits around F3 to D5. Middle C is C4, so F3 is the F below middle C and D5 is the D above middle C, giving altos a comfortable lower end with a usable upper range for common parts. This span covers the notes singers in this category are most likely to encounter without straining. The other options go too far in one direction or don’t reach high enough: one drops to E2, which is far below typical alto comfort; another starts too high at D4, narrowing the usable range; another ends at C5, cutting off higher notes often needed. Therefore, F3 to D5 best describes the general alto tessitura.

The general alto voice typically sits around F3 to D5. Middle C is C4, so F3 is the F below middle C and D5 is the D above middle C, giving altos a comfortable lower end with a usable upper range for common parts. This span covers the notes singers in this category are most likely to encounter without straining. The other options go too far in one direction or don’t reach high enough: one drops to E2, which is far below typical alto comfort; another starts too high at D4, narrowing the usable range; another ends at C5, cutting off higher notes often needed. Therefore, F3 to D5 best describes the general alto tessitura.