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Edited by Harry218, Maluniu, Mimi, DifuWu and 3 others

Ever listened to Handel, Purcell or Bach and wished that you could have the soaring voice of a male alto? Does the music of Scarlatti, Monterverdi or Lully fill you with emotion? This guide teaches you how to be a countertenor, and sing to impress.

For those who don't know - a countertenor is a male alto who uses falsetto. Countertenors were used extensively from the middle ages, to the end of the 18th century (especially during the Baroque Era), due to women being banned from singing in churches and opera houses. A link to a video of a countertenor performance can be found here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PVkj3UIPSA) - this is Robin Blaze singing Bach's aria 'Von den Stricken' from the St John Passion.



  1. Be a Countertenor Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    Consult a singing teacher. Switching to countertenor without professional guidance can ruin your voice. You need a qualified instructor who can help you to breathe properly and not strain your vocal cords.
  2. Be a Countertenor Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    Test your range. Not all males make suitable countertenors. You need a strong falsetto that can go fairly high. You also need to be able to sing low (around F3), while 'mixing' the head voice and chest voice.
  3. Be a Countertenor Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    Learn the correct breathing. Your stomach should expand and fill with air. It should be taut and firm. Don't sing from the chest or throat. When you sing high notes, it should feel as if all the pressure is coming up from your stomach and forward out of your mouth - not up into your head.
  4. Be a Countertenor Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    Pay attention to your pronunciation. Remember all consonants, and emphasise all vowels. If you want to make the bright countertenor sound, make your vowels more 'open' - don't make 'closed' mouth shapes.
  5. Be a Countertenor Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    Tightening your stomach muscles makes your body use less air for notes, as it acts like a restrainer. This causes you to be able to hold notes for a long time while in your counter tenor or normal singing state.

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  • Don't push your voice. If you can't make a high C, don't strain your vocal cords by trying to reach it.
  • It is strongly recommended that you consult a singing teacher before you start singing countertenor. If you sing in the wrong way, you could ruin your voice.

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Categories: Singing

Recent edits by: Mike Massaroli, Tryme2, DifuWu


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