Learn about Vocal Music

What does vocal music mean?

Vocal music is a type of music that generally performed by singers. It could be solo singing or a group of vocalist, either with or without musical instruments and it usually features sung words called lyrics. In contrast to instrumental music, the human voice is used as the central part of this music.

The world-renowned composer, Wilhelm Richard Wagner once said, "The human voice is really the foundation of all music; and whatever the development of the musical art, however bold the composer's combinations, however brilliant the virtuoso's execution, in the end they must always return to the standard set by vocal music."

If you're a music lover who aspires to become a passionate singer in upcoming days, then the best thing you could do for yourself is to join a vocal music class. Besides theoretical knowledge, you need exercises and skills to figure out how to channelize your voice accurately. So, find the best trainer who can help you fulfil your singing dream with proper guidance.

For more details on tips and tricks and to know about musical textures of vocal music, click here to know everything about it. You can also find out Western and Indian singing styles, music academies and cost of music classes in India's top cities and details on musical instruments.

A brief history of Vocal music

Vocal music is considered as one of the oldest forms of music. The history of vocal music is long and hard to access due to the lack of evidence. However, it is believed that vocal music has existed before the Middle Ages, and this genre of music is found rooted in different cultures and places with unique ethnic groups. It found its roots not only in Western culture but also in non-western cultures around the world, including countries like India and China.

Vocal music with and without Instruments

Rock, Jazz, Pop are amongst the styles of music performed by singers with instrumental accompaniment. On the other hand, Vocal music without instrumental accompaniment is called a cappella means' Chapel' in Italian. It is believed that this vocal performance style was born in a religious place (although some individuals/historians don't concur). It is more of choral singing (choir) without instrumental music and was initially used in religious music be it Jewish, Christian or Islamic.

One of the prominent examples of a Cappella singing is the Gregorian chant; other well-known styles are gospel music and barbershop quartets. If you're a big Cappella lover, then you’ll be familiar with these names. If not, then start your search for the best acapella groups with the following suggestions (in no particular order). Start listening now to learn what this music is all about.

• Take 6
• Metro Vocal Group
• Rockapella
• Pentatonix
• The Swingle Singers
• The King's Singers
• The Real Group
• The House Jacks
• The Manhattan Transfer

How many types of voices are there?

In simple terms, voice is the sound that you produce from the vocal cords, through the mouth. It can be a speech or a song. Although there are several types and sub-types of voices, almost all of them fall in 6 basics types. The three male voices are Bass, Bariton and Tenor. Soprano, mezzo-soprano, and contralto are the three typical groups of women voices.

• Bass: It is the lowest vocal range of male voice types
• Baritone: A male singer vocal range that lies between bass and tenor voice
• Tenor: One of the highest vocal range of male voice types. This singing voice lies in between the countertenor and baritone voice
• Contralto: The lowest vocal range of female voice types. It is likewise the rarest voice, and the vocal range commonly lies between F3 to F5
• Mezzo-soprano: A female singer vocal range that lies between soprano and contralto
• Soprano: The highest vocal range of female voice types

If you’re a passionate music lover, then find the best trainer around you. Ensure that you check out the reviews and ratings of vocal music trainers or institutes before enrolling classes.