Do you know all of the singing terms that
make up a singing program?
Well there may be a lot more than what we’ve added below, but here are some good singing vocabulary to get you started.
Alto
The range of the lowest female voice. The alto usually ranges under two octaves starting at the note G below middle C.
Baritone
The Section of the male voice in between the bass and tenor.
Bass
The lowest male singing voice which usually encompasses two octaves starting at the note F an octave below middle C.
Chest voice
The lower register of the voice. (Air resonates in the chest).
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Chromatic
In music, notes progressing by half tones. (Example-from C to C#).
Diaphragm
The partition of muscles and tendons between the chest and
abdominal cavity.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Inhaling and exhaling by the use of your stomach muscles, as opposed to breathing from your chest. Diaphragmatic breathing is the preferred method for singing.
Diatonic Scale
A sequence of notes that comprise a specific key. For Example, in the key of F major, the notes F G A Bb C D and E form a diatonic scale.
Embellish
In music, to enhance a note by adding melodic style.
Falsetto
(Often referred to as a “false” voice.) A Vocal sound usually used by the highest male voice. In Falsetto singing, only the edges, as opposed to the whole vocal mass of the vocal cords vibrate thus creating a thin “wispy” sound.
Head voice
The upper register of the voice. (Air resonates in the head).
Larynx
The structure of muscles and cartilage that contain the vocal cords.
Legato
In music, a smooth, even style, with no apparent interruptions between notes.
Mezzo- Soprano
A voice or part between the alto and soprano range.
Middle Voice (mask)
Area in which the facial muscles are used for resonation. Air resonates closest to the sinuses.
Octave
The interval between the first and eighth notes of the diatonic scale. (Example-from C to C).
Resonance
The reinforcement of a sound by (air) vibration. In voice, the placements of resonance are: chest, mask, head, and falsetto.
Soft Palate
The soft, fleshy part at the rear of the roof of the mouth.
Solfeggio (solmization)
The use of the syllables: Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Ti Do, in relation to singing and sight reading music.
Soprano
The highest singing voice, usually ranging two octaves or more from middle C.
Staccato
In music, Distinct breaks between successive tones.
Tenor
The highest male singing voice usually ranges over two octaves starting at the note middle C.
Vibrato
Expressive quality of a tone by the use of rapid fluctuations.
Vocal Cords
Either of two pairs of cords in the larynx (upper and lower). The voice is produced when air causes the lower cords to vibrate.
Vocal Register (Range)
The extent of pitch covered by a melody. The vocal registers are: alto, mezzo-soprano, soprano (female) bass, baritone, tenor, (male).
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Alexandra
/ March 29, 2010Thanks for this post above and your other articles. I find them helpful in that they often make me think about myself as a singer and how I can be even better.