Singing

Singing is the use of the human voice and vocal chords to produce musical tones. Scholars imagine the first songs were like the cries of birds or whales, especially primal compared to the sophisticated voices of opera and pop divas today.

Singing evolved in every corner of the world. The ancient Egyptians, Sumerians, and Greeks sang special hymns at sacred events. The Greeks also developed the art of the choral lyric (sung poems) and sponsored the first known competitions for choral groups. Indigenous people in South America, Africa, and throughout the world sang for a variety of purposes, from entertainment to religious ritual. The ancient Inuit held songwriting contests that tested wit and fortitude, and practiced throat-singing, similar to the overtone singing among the people of Mongolia, Tuva, and other countries in the East.

For hundreds of years, sacred Christian music dominated European civilization, while elsewhere Buddhists and Muslims developed their own repertoires of sacred songs. The Christian canon included the aria, usually a solo piece with accompaniment, and the oratorio, a more lavish production involving an orchestra and choral group. In 1741, George Frideric Handel composed the most famous oratorio, Messiah, a work widely performed in modern times. From the oratorio came opera, a public phenomenon during the seventeenth century that continues to epitomize the capabilities of the human voice.

In addition to religious music, people throughout the world sang secular songs while marching to war, working in the fields, or rocking a baby to sleep. This folk repertoire became part of each country's collective culture and forms the foundation for much of contemporary music, while continuing to inspire new folk music.

Musical theatre evolved from opera, vaudeville, and burlesque during the late-nineteenth century. In the early 1940s, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II collaborated on the songs for the musical Oklahoma, and then went on to write songs for musicals such as Carousel, South Pacific, and The Sound of Music. Musicals such as these have entertained generations and provided many a high school and college student the opportunity to sing to an audience.

The twentieth century proved to be one of the most exciting and diverse periods in musical history. During the twentieth century, musical styles such as rock and roll, soul, jazz, rap, rhythm and blues, hip hop, barbershop quartets, a cappella groups, and many others emerged. The twentieth century also saw a growing interest in Irish, Latin, and other world music.

Today a talented singer can obtain a PhD in singing or compete on a televised singing competition show and become an instant celebrity. On the other hand, karaoke allows everyone to be a star, even if only in the privacy of his or her own home.

What to Look For

Singing is considered a whole-body activity, and the vocal chords are representative of one's general health. For this reason, lessons often include exercises, special diets, and instruction in proper posture along with breathing techniques.

When selecting a teacher or coach, one should look for someone who shares similar interests in music, although singing a variety of genres will help a novice find his or her voice. The many types of music include classical, country, jazz, gospel, hip-hop, folk, R&B, opera, musical theatre, and many more.

A new singer joining an ensemble or choir will be placed in a section based on his or her vocal range. Women's ranges are typically as follows (from high to low): soprano, mezzo-soprano, and contralto or alto. Men's ranges are typically tenor, baritone, and bass. Many singers will be moved into a different level as they discover their full capabilities, and it is common for singers' voices to change during their lifetimes. One should never strive to sing in a range that is uncomfortable.

In addition to learning technique and memorizing songs, the novice usually has to overcome some amount of insecurity or shyness. If one remembers that singing is supposed to be fun, and that good singing derives from the heart, he or she will be more likely to relax and enjoy the experience. Those who experience severe cases of stage fright should consider singing with an ensemble or choral group before going solo.

Karaoke offers singers the chance to practice at in the privacy of their home, or can make a great focus for a party. Singers ready for an audience can look for local nightclubs, schools, or other community groups that offer karaoke or can join online karaoke groups.

Trends

The television show American Idol and other singing competitions have spawned the birth of the instant musical celebrity and are also responsible for promoting competitive singing. Along with karaoke and artist-sponsored contests, singers can win prizes that range from backstage concert passes to major recording contracts. At the same time, however, the rise of the indie recording industry has given way to a vast increase in the number of singers who record and tour, most of whom exist far from the limelights.

In contrast to the entertainment industry are the many choral groups and community sing-alongs that satisfy other needs. One example is shape-note singing, otherwise known as Sacred Harp, which has been undergoing a revival by folk and Christian singers. Shape-note music is written for four-part harmony and offers an alternative for those who cannot read traditional notation.

Singing for Fun vs. Profit

A talented singer can make money singing for weddings and other private functions, working in radio and television, or singing in a band. Singers can also provide backup vocals to already established singers and musical groups, and may record or go on tour with them, as well. Actors can find work in musical theatre while writers can sell their songs. Competitions may prove to be lucrative and open many doors, although only a tiny percentage of singers will ever rise to stardom. Singers can also record their own music at home or in a local studio and market it themselves.

Bibliography

Baxter, Mark. The Rock-N-Roll Singer's Survival Manual. Hal Leonard, 1990.

Blood, Peter and Annie Paterson, editors. Rise Up Singing: The Group Singing Songbook. Sing Out Publications, 2004

Love, Roger. Sing Like the Stars! Pocket Books, 2003.

Murray, Dena. Vocal Technique: A Guide to Finding Your Real Voice. Hal Leonard, 2002.

Peckham, Anne. The Contemporary Singer: Elements of Vocal Technique. Berklee Press, 2000.

Phillips, Pamelia. Singing for Dummies. Wiley, 2003.