Singing

Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice and augments regular speech by the use of sustained tonality, rhythm, and a variety of vocal techniques. A person who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music (arias, recitatives, songs, etc.) that can be sung with or without accompaniment by musical instruments. Singing is often done in an ensemble of musicians, such as a choir of singers or a band of instrumentalists. Singers may perform as soloists or accompanied by anything from a single instrument (as in art song or some jazz styles) up to a symphony orchestra or big band.

History

Singing has been a fundamental part of human culture and expression for thousands of years. The earliest evidence of singing dates back to the earliest recorded history, with archaeological evidence of musical instruments and likely singing practices found in the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt.

Types of Singing

Singing can be formal or informal, arranged, or improvised. It may be done as a form of religious devotion, as a hobby, as a source of pleasure, comfort, or ritual as part of music education or as a profession. Excellence in singing requires time, dedication, instruction, and regular practice. If practice is done on a regular basis then the sounds can become more clear and strong.

Techniques

There are various singing techniques such as Breathing and breath support, Phonation, Vocal resonation, Vocal registration, Vocal timbre, Vocal ornamentation, Vocal improvisation, Vocal pedagogy, Vocal music, Vocal range, Vocal warm up, Vocal rest, and Vocal weight.

Health Benefits

Singing has physical benefits because it is an aerobic activity that increases oxygenation in the blood stream and exercises major muscle groups in the upper body, even when sitting. Singing has psychological benefits because of its normally positive effect in reducing stress factors by drawing out negative emotions.

See Also

• Music
• Voice (music)
• Vocal music
• Vocal range
• Vocal pedagogy

Singing Resources
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