No! You Do Not Need to Be a Soprano to Sing Lead.

There is a misconception among gospel singers that to sing lead you need to be able to sing high notes. This feels especially true here in the UK. I can't count the numerous amount of times I have heard this – quite frankly, ridiculous - statement from students and observed the sadness in their eyes as they recount their experiences singing in the choir or worship team.

The fact of the matter is this and it is simple: You Do Not Need to be a Soprano to Sing Lead. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either not a trained vocalist or does not know what they are talking about and is

Let me give you 5 reasons why.

Female Vocal Range

1. Most sopranos in UK gospel choirs are not true (natural) sopranos anyway. They are high altos (Mezzo Soprano) at best.

2. Some of the most respected, successful and anointed gospel singers are altos. (Cece Winans and Tamela Mann anyone?)

3. It is possible to bend (distort) pitches to sound higher. So even if you are alto you can touch soprano notes. (Tonex does this lot)

4. Altering vowels can also make you sound higher. (Tonex again)

5. Natural tone, vocal control and hitting notes on point are the main qualities a singer should aspire to shape and develop, regardless of range or technical ability. It will increase vocal longevity.

A list of Gospel and Contemporary Christian vocalists who are Alto – High Alto ( Mezzo Soprano) vocalists:

Tasha Cobbs  ( USA)

Mandisa (USA)

Shola Victor-Sajowa        

Amy Grant (USA)

Janine Dyer (UK)

Sinach (NGR) (Sinach is a Soprano but sings high alto and lower)

Whitney Houston (USA)

Madeline Kerzner (UK)

Rachel Kerr ( UK)

Martha Munuzzi

And I’ll mention a few Sopranos for contrast

Beverley Trotman (UK)

Phillip Hanna (UK)

Marcia Walder-Thomas(UK)

Yolanda Adams (USA) (vocal distortion makes me  think Yolanda is actually a High Alto)

Nicole C Mullen (USA)

Darlene Zcshech (AUS)

So the next time someone tells you only Sopranos can sing lead know for yourself it is not true and and tell them of the variety of singers who are altos or point them to this article!

To your Vocal Success