Singing

Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the human voice. It involves controlled exhalation of air through the vocal folds in the larynx, which vibrate to create sound. The voice is shaped by the vocal tract, including the throat, palate, tongue, and lips, producing pitches and timbres. Singing can be performed solo or in groups and spans many genres and cultures. Subtle aspects include phrasing, dynamics, and articulation.

Physiology: The larynx houses the vocal folds that vibrate when air passes. Pitch is determined mainly by vocal fold tension and length; loudness by subglottal air pressure and glottal closure. The voice has registers or ranges: chest, head, falsetto; singers classify voices by range and tessitura, e.g., soprano, alto, tenor, bass, though classification is flexible. Resonance occurs in the vocal tract and cavities, affecting timbre.

Techniques: Training emphasizes breathing control, posture, and efficient phonation to prevent strain. Warm-ups, scales, and breath support are common. Articulation and resonance help clarity and carry. Healthy singing requires hydration, rest, avoiding excessive force, and seeking medical advice for persistent hoarseness or pain.

Genres and practice: Singing appears in classical concert singing, opera, church music, pop, rock, jazz, folk, and world music. Choirs and ensembles explore harmony, while solo singing focuses on expressiveness and interpretation. Microphone technique and sound reinforcement influence modern performance. Recording and vocal coaching are common in contemporary contexts.

History and culture: Singing is ancient, with evidence in rituals, chants, and early notation systems. Across cultures it serves communication, ceremony, storytelling, and entertainment. Voice science and pedagogy have developed over centuries, contributing to vocal health and performance standards.