When I`m practicing, I can`t comfortably hit the lowest note an alto should be able to hit, but I can`t hit the highest note for a soprano. What the heck am I? *scratches head*
Also, any tips for widening my range?

~Confu-sed

To increase your range... take a voice class at your local community college or join a choir. You need to be forced to sing out of your norm.

you`re probably a mezo soprano then.

Piko,

That would be VERY unwise to ask a singer to sing "outside their norm" in terms of range! It is quite dangerous to have a singer do this as it implies having the singer strain for notes. Straining willa ctually cause a LOSS of range--not a gain! Proper vocal technique developed over time will naturally increase both range and the natural beauty and tone quality of the voice.

Mike
Director,
Virtual Conservatory of Singing
http://singing.eblah.com <-- Free Vocal Training

im an alto in my concert coir and i practus in a room with a piano...
and go up a half note every 2 days and see if i can get it...plus having a fedish with pnantom of the opera helps you try to get the higher notes, and i thank webber that he has a lot of low notes in it too, very glad!
if it helps you i hope it does cuz it has helped me

Mike knows what he`s talking about! When you feel strained or have pain when you sing you should definitely consider trying a different tequnique or a different key. But that doesn`t mean you shouldn`t consider joining a choir. Being in a choir means that you aren`t alone; there are people there in the section with you who can sing the high notes if you can`t reach. I love singing in a group just as much as singing solo... perhaps more! My tips for improving your singing now would be to keep up the vocalises (warmups) every day and find some great songs that fit in your wonderful mezzo-soprano range and record yourself singing them. Then keep practicing and recording to try and improve and create a unique style thats all your own.

have a great summer!