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A vocal register that occupies the frequency range just above the modal voice register and overlaps with the lower part of the whistle register. Used by male singers to sing notes higher than their normal range. Example: In pop music, a male singer might switch to falsetto for a high-pitched chorus.

A style of singing with deliberately detached and short notes. It adds rhythmic sharpness and can bring excitement to a piece. Example: A singer performing a lively Mozart aria using sharp, distinct notes.

A smooth, sliding transition from one note to another, often employed in romantic singing to express emotion. Example: A singer gracefully moving from a low to high note without individual note articulation.

The transition area between different vocal registers, such as chest voice and head voice. Singers train to smooth out the passaggio for a seamless transition between notes. In a classical tenor voice, the passaggio is often between the B flat below middle C and the E above middle C.

The ability to sustain notes evenly and with a consistent quality of sound. A good practice example is executing long phrases in an art song or an aria without wavering in volume or pitch.

The lower part of the vocal register where deeper, richer tones are produced and vibrations can be felt in the chest. It's common in speech and in genres like pop, rock, and blues. Example: Singing the lower verses of a blues song.

The execution of a series of improvised melodic embellishments or variations. Often used in styles like R&B, pop, and jazz. For example, a singer adds a personal touch to a song with a series of quick, intricate runs.

A subtle oscillation in pitch that adds warmth and emotion to the voice. It occurs naturally when the voice is well supported and relaxed. For example, opera singers use vibrato to enhance the beauty of their sustained notes.

Singing loudly and with full force, used to convey strong emotions or dramatic moments. It requires effective breath support and resonance to achieve without strain. Example: The climactic notes in a powerful rock anthem.

The spectrum of volume a singer can produce, from the softest pianissimo to the loudest fortissimo. A wide dynamic range can add expressiveness to performances. Example: A singer demonstrating their dynamic range during a vocal competition.

A technique used by singers to maintain a consistent, homogeneous sound as they transition through different vocal registers, particularly the passaggio. Example: A classical singer ensuring smooth transitions in an aria.

A vocal exercise that involves swelling the volume of a note and then diminishing it. It's used to develop control over dynamics and breath support. An opera singer might use mess di voce when singing a note with a crescendo followed by a decrescendo.

Singing with a medium volume or with a half-voice. It requires control and is used to convey intimacy or subtlety. An example could be found in the softer sections of a romantic song.

Singing very softly, often used to convey tenderness or introspection. It requires control of breath support to maintain the sound quality at a low volume. Example: The soft concluding phrases of a lullaby.

The clarity and precision with which a singer pronounces words. Good diction is crucial in terms of understanding lyrics and enhancing vocal performance. For instance, a musical theatre actor enunciates clearly to convey the story.

A blend of chest and head voice that creates a balanced, unified sound across the singer's range. It is beneficial for transitioning smoothly between registers. Example: A pop singer maintaining a consistent tone through high and low passages.

A powerful singing technique that uses the chest voice to project loud, strong tones, often used in musical theatre. Example: A singer performs 'Defying Gravity' from 'Wicked' using belting to reach high, intense notes.

A light, bright, resonant tone produced by vibrations in the head cavity. Singers use head voice to sing high notes more comfortably. It is commonly employed in classical singing.

A momentary closure of the glottal fold that interrupts airflow and adds a break in the sound. Used for stylistic effect in some languages and music styles, such as pop or folk. Example: The catch in the throat before singing 'uh-oh'.

The manner in which a vocal tone is begun or initiated. Singers work on achieving a balanced onset (neither breathy nor glottal) for a clean and healthy start to notes.

A technique of breath management that allows singers to maintain even pressure across the vocal cords. This results in a controlled and sustained vocal production. An example would be opera singers holding long notes without strain.

A nasal, resonant sound quality achieved by narrowing the epiglottis. This technique is often used in country music and can help project the voice. Example: The characteristic sound in many country songs.

Engaging the muscles around the pelvis, abdomen, and lower back to create a sense of stability and support during singing. This technique is often used in demanding vocal pieces to provide the needed support and reduce strain on the vocal cords.

A breathing technique that involves the diaphragm contracting downwards, expanding the lungs without distorting the posture. Singers use this technique to control their breath and sustain longer phrases.

The use of diaphragmatic and abdominal muscles to control airflow and maintain consistent pressure to the vocal cords during singing. Example: Holding long phrases in an anthem without running out of breath.

A technique used to release tension by imitating the motions of yawning and sighing, which encourages relaxation and opening of the throat. It's often employed as a warm-up exercise by singers.

An elaborate ornamentation of a melody, often featuring fast runs, trills, and leaps. Typically used by sopranos in opera, an example is the 'Queen of the Night' aria from Mozart's 'The Magic Flute'.

The clear and precise pronunciation of consonants and vowels in singing. This includes the proper timing and force with which each note or syllable is executed. Example: A choir singing a complex choral piece with precise clarity.

A smooth and connected style of singing with no apparent breaks between notes. A singer performing an aria might use legato to create a flowing and seamless melodic line.