Vocal

Melismatic vs. Syllabic Video

http://study.com/academy/lesson/syllabic-music-definition-analysis-structure.html

Understanding Vocal Range, Registers, Types - Glossary of Terms

http://www.singwise.com/cgi-bin/main.pl?section=articles&doc=UnderstandingVocalRangeRegistersAndType

VOCAL RANGES:

The head voice is typically more nasal sounding, often referred to as "dulcet" tones when references to gender and vocalization are part of the discussion. Additionally, the size and shape of the cavities bring resonant frequencies up, meaning there isn't as much lower "bass" punch to a head voice. It is more like a sharp, piercing type of tone in the extreme. In very general terms, head voices are typically more associated to females, though be careful with this generalization as many, many exceptions abound and are welcome!

The head voice happens when one presses the back portion of the tongue up and back toward the neck while also flattening it's profile out. This may be associated with moving other muscles to enlarge the upper cavities and access to them as well.

Chest Voices are typically deep sounding, with lower frequencies greatly emphasized. It may be described as "rumbling" or "gruff" type of tone which can fill the room and be felt by the listener in close, powerful vocal settings.

The chest voice happens when one opens their throat, while at the same time moving the tongue down, and sometimes back, but mostly down to maximize airflow and lower cavity resonance. In like general terms, chest voices are more typically associated with males.

Mixed Voices are simply not extremes. Most vocalizations are mixed voices in that both the head and chest are contributing to some degree. This varies extremely widely by individual and is a contributing factor to our voices being unique among individuals.

There are some odd modes possible where resonance is suppressed for effect, and I would classify these as mixed voices, unless a very specific technique and resonance point is consistent. I've also put the basic movements involved here, leaving out a lot of detail and complexity. If anything, you can make these motions in a few vocalizations and feel the differences yourself.

Falsetto is actually a difference in how the vocal cords are controlled. Normally, in relaxed speech, or casual singing, falsetto isn't used and the vocal chords are in their least constrained, lower resonance state. This all favors the ordinary talking and singing pitches people use.

The falsetto vocalization is one where the effective length of the vocal cords is greatly reduced. It's most pronounced in males, who generally end up with larger, lower frequency vocals due to changes that happen during puberty, A.K.A. "the voice change."

All these vocal modes are impacted by falsetto in that lower frequencies are almost entirely absent from most falsetto vocalizations, strongly favoring the head voice and mixed voice. Well trained and talented vocalists can deliver chest voice falsetto to great effect however!

It's also important to understand the differences possible! Vocalizations for talking are different from announcing, or speaking to a large room, for example. Singers vary in similar ways. You will find popular vocalists vary from that more pure vocalization in opera, for example. This can, can make differentiating these things more difficult.

Vocal Video Examples:

Sonority - voices

There are many different forms of music composed for vocal performance.

Vocal range

Here are the main vocal ranges from highest to lowest.

Solos and ensembles

In classical music the soprano, alto, tenor and bass - SATB - choir is a key part of church music, madrigals and opera choruses.

Choral music

Different types of choir include mixed choirs - usually with parts for SATB - male voice choirs, female choirs and a cappella ensembles.

A cappella ensembles are unaccompanied choruses. Ladysmith Black Mambazo are an a cappella Zulu male voice choir from South Africa. African songs are usually either strophic - split up into verses - or in call-and-response form.

In call-and-response form the leader sings a line - the call - and is answered by a chorus - the response. The chorus usually stays the same while the soloist improvises. There is often overlapping between the leader and the chorus. The chorus part is usually homophonic – in block chords.

Listen to the call and response used in The Star and the Wiseman sung by Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Notice the homophonic response parts.

Solo song

Different types of solo song include lieder, arias, ballads and folk songs.

The solo voice has been used in arias, solo songs and popular songs in all kinds of styles.

Lieder

Lieder - pronounced leeder - are German art songs from the Romantic period - roughly the 19th century.

Arias

Arias are solo songs found in operas and oratorio.

An opera is a drama set to music, acted and sung by solo singers and accompanied by an orchestra.

One of the most famous operatic tenor arias is “Nessun Dorma” - No one shall sleep - from Puccini’s opera Turandot. This impassioned lyrical aria famously ends on a high sustained B. The voice is accompanied by orchestra and choir.

An oratorio is a setting of religious words for solo singers, chorus and orchestra. Unlike an opera, an oratorio is not staged. Messiah, by Handel, is the most popular oratorio.

Da capo arias were common in the 18th century. A da capo aria is where the voice returns to the head of the score (da capo) and repeats the first section of the music. It was common for the soloist to add ornamentation when the first section was repeated.

Pop ballads

Stevie Wonder

Ballads

Are slow, often sentimental, love songs.
Sometimes tell a story.
Are usually in verse-chorus form.
Emphasise melody and lyrics - the accompaniment is often secondary.
Are often accompanied on guitar or keyboard.
Are found in many styles of pop music.

Some famous ballad singers are Frank Sinatra, eg My Way, Elvis Presley, eg Always on my Mind and Stevie Wonder, eg My Cherie Amour.

Folk song

British and American folk songs:

often have a simple strummed guitar accompaniment
are sometimes unaccompanied
are usually in verse form - strophic
sometimes, but not always, have choruses
emphasise lyrics that often tell a story and sometimes have a political message
place secondary importance on the accompaniment, with simple harmony and strummed chords

Examples of well-known folk songs are The Foggy Dew, She Moved Through the Fair and Freight Train – English, Irish and American respectively.

Vocal techniques

Different techniques are used to change the nature of the voice.

Vibrato

Vibrato is the pitch of the voice rapidly changing up and down. It gives notes warmth and richness. This technique is used a lot by opera singers.

Falsetto

When a male singer sings in the soprano or alto range he is singing falsetto. The voice type is known as countertenor.

Belting

Belting is when a singer uses their chest voice and pushes out the sound, often found in popular music and jazz. The effect can sometimes sound like shouting if not performed effectively.

Scat

Scat singing is a type of vocal improvisation using wordless or nonsense syllables. Ella Fitzgerald was known as a scat singer.

Rap

Rap is when an artist speaks words rhythmically and quickly over an instrumental or electronic backing.

Beatboxing

This is when a voice imitates the sounds of a drum machine. Beatboxing is popular in hip-hop music.

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