Document Actions
Music styles compared
I know this is a massive
topic. All I wish to make are a few brief comments on the elements of
each style, to give new students some ideas about options.
Jazz
Advantages: Pick your own songs/standards from a huge repertoire; sing songs in any key you choose, which is good for those without an extensive range; very creative in terms of phrasing, hence musically rewarding; good training ground for would-be songwriters - complex chords, intelligent lyrics and melodic variation.
Disadvantages: Small market for professionals, not many amateur opportunities (most jazz combos are exclusively instrumental); difficult to obtain recording contract possibilities; tends not to develop one's vocal range as much as music theatre or classical; requires exceptional level of ear training to perceive stylistic subtleties and maintain perfect tuning while improvising.
Pop
Advantages: Easy to get started - you already know the songs! Huge potential audience and performing opportunities at both professional and amateur levels. eg join a band, form a band, form a duo with a guitarist or pianist; sing at parties, weddings, karaoke, singing competitions (prize money & exposure), studio recording work - albums, dance music, advertising jingles, TV theme songs etc.
Disadvantages: Not so musically satisfying in the long term; looks and image are just as important as the actual music; the lack of vocal challenge in the songs mean you may not really develop your voice to its potential.
|
|
Music Theatre |
Advantages: Huge, varied repertoire develops vocal skills in all directions - range, dramatic ability, diction, establishing and changing the mood, exploring and portraying character; the many levels in music theatre means it can sustain lifelong artistic development; can sing always in English (compared to classical). Many performance opportunities with amateur musical societies. Once trained in music theatre your voice will handle any style of music you like. |
|
|
|
|
|
Disadvantages: Technically difficult; requires years of training, very competitive field at both amateur and professional level. |
|
|
Classical |
This covers Opera, Oratorio (Concert style with orchestra), Lieder (small recital format of singer with piano) |
|
|
|
|
|
Advantages: Inspiring music that has stood the test of time. |
|
|
|
|
Disadvantages: Needs many years of training before one is ready to perform. Needs technical mastery, excellent music reading skills, knowledge of pronounciation of English, French, German and Italian; very competitive at the professional level; very few performance opportunities while still a student apart from exams and eisteddfods. One also needs an unusually powerful voice to match an orchestra (Opera singers do not use microphones). |
|
|
Rock |
|
Similar to Pop except for the added disadvantage that it's easy to destroy your voice if you sing with bad technique, because of the volume most bands play at. |
|
|
Cabaret |
|
More a performance style than a musical genre. Covers performing in clubs, night clubs, restaurants, TV shows like IMT & the Midday show. Repertoire is usually a mix of Jazz standards, Pop classics & showtunes from Music Theatre. |
|
|
Blues/R&B |
Adv/disadv similar to Rock & Jazz. Can veer towards the Folk side, or explore harmony singing if in a vocal group, eg a capella groups, or boy/girl bands. Eg Human Nature, All Saints. |