Nonsinging

Nonsinging is a term used in musicology and vocal studies to refer to vocal sound production that does not constitute singing with a melody or sustained pitch. In practice, nonsinging encompasses speaking, shouting, whispering, chanting, spoken word, rap, rhythmic vocalizations, and other vocalizations performed without the conventional singing voice. It may occur within a musical work or as a separate vocal expression in theater, performance art, or education.

In performance, nonsinging can serve dramaturgical or rhythmic purposes, provide contrast with sung sections, or express text and emotion where melody is not required. It is closely related to, but distinct from, styles such as Sprechstimme or spoken word, which lie on a spectrum between speech and song. In pedagogy and voice science, nonsinging is studied to understand how the voice produces non-melodic sounds, how articulation and breath support influence intelligibility and projection, and how to preserve vocal health during rapid alternation between speaking and singing. In ethnomusicology, researchers may analyze nonsinging traditions—such as chant, ritual speech, or improvisational vocal delivery—to examine language, rhythm, and community practices.

Because nonsinging covers a broad range of vocal activity, its assessment depends on context and the criteria used to determine what counts as singing.