Overview

Vocalists need extensive training and practice to succeed interpreting music at a professional level. But even if not professional, some background knowledge might proof extremely helpful to avoid problems that might occur later down the road.

Understanding the anatomy, physics and limitations of our human nature per example may help unlock the tips we find in literature or we may have heard from our vocal coach. A practical understanding of how our voice comes to live will give us deeper knowledge about the benefit of some exercises, the do's and the don'ts, about our weaknesses and the cure for them.

All the basic theoretical information about the art of music will unlock a multitude of possibilities, will help us understand theoretic concepts and composing choices. Understanding these basics will give us additional ideas for improvement, may it be pitch, rhythm, or the tone of our vocal instrument.

 
So here now is an overview of the topics in this section:

• Anatomy of the Voice
• Voice Break and Switching Vocal Registers
• Roles and Duties for Vocalists
• Music Licensing
• Anatomy of a Song
• Song Forms and Storytelling
• Musical Keys and the Key Change
• Staying Healthy and Fit

 
^ Anatomy of the Voice

A practical understanding of the physiological mechanisms of the human voice is helpful for the singer to develop better vocal techniques, and it is essential for the purpose of communication between instructor and student, or in literature. Find out how the voice is created in the human body, how we achieve a powerful voice, how we produce pitch, and how we influence our vocal qualities.

Read more about the anatomy of the voice.

 
^ Voice Break and Switching Vocal Registers

As a singer we access vocal registers to build our vocal range. For many aspiring singers switching the register may be connected with audible problems that are based on a lack of control. Among other terms this is called voice break. Interestingly this is not the first time in our life that we have been confronted with a lack of control over our voice, especially evident in young men. During puperty boys and girls go through voice change, sometimes also called voice break. Gain background information about both meanings of the term, and review the different and sometimes confusing definitions of vocal registers.

Read more about voice break and switching vocal registers.

 
^ Roles and Duties for Vocalists

Vocalists who would like to become a member of the professional community should prepare themselves for the requirements the industry demands. Find inspiration by reviewing a few different occupations a singer could fill, and inform yourself of the required skill set. We further have collected tips to prepare yourself for entering assignments in the professional field, and where you can receive support to advance your career.

Read more about the roles and duties for vocalists.

 
^ Music Licensing

If a singer, instrumentalist or a band wants to record, use, or perform music that is owned or controlled by somebody else, it is very likely that a license has to be obtained to do this on legal ground. Find out what kind of licenses control the use and recreation of music compositions, audio recordings, the use of music in public, the reproduction of sheet music, and the performance of theatrical productions. At Lead Vocals we also offer links and services to help you obtaining licenses for cover songs.

Read more about music licensing.

 
^ Anatomy of a Song

In modern popular and traditional forms of music composers structure their songs by creating formal passages and placing them into a sequence. We call this structural song elements parts, but depending on function, placement and content these parts have specific names, like per example verse, chorus, and bridge. Find out what parts exist, what contents these elements have, and how they are placed within a composition.

Read more about the anatomy of a song.

 
^ Song Forms and Storytelling

Composers and songwriters construct their music out of formal sections, also called parts, in an attempt to tell a story. The way these sections are placed to build the structure or architecture of the resulting song is called song form. In modern popular music a limited number of layouts for the placement of these sections have become a standard repertoire for story telling. Find out how songs are compiled into the vehicle that will tell the story to the listener, and learn about the different song forms and the possibilities these provide for song writing.

Read more about song forms and storytelling.

 
^ Musical Keys and the Key Change

Review the background of the musical key, harmonic movement, chord progressions, and modulation, and find out why vocalists change the key of a song and how they approach the key change. An additional influence on the selection of a musical key may include the consideration of emotional characteristics as shown for keys based on the major and minor scale. Producers and vocalists often work together to determine the key in recording sessions.

Read more about musical keys and the key change.

 
^ Staying Healthy and Fit

[to be added soon]