Rockschool Popular Music Theory Band Knowledge - Vocals Presentation

Vocals G5-8 Review
RSL Popular Music Theory

Outline
The Vocal Instrument
Amplification & Equipment
Notation Guide
Band Analysis: Score Reading
Introduction to Vocals
considered to be the original musical
instrument
present in the development of music in all
human cultural traditions throughout history
Capability to produce a wide range of pitches
& tonal qualities that can vary between
individuals (vocal range)
Vocals In the Band Context
The Lead Singer (also called frontman) is
often considered as the most significant
member
They communicate directly with the audience
through engaging them in interaction, and
through singing the words to the songs
Usually the member that is most focused on in the
group
The Vocal Instrument
Singing involves a number of
moving parts that work
together for the production of
vocal sound
Mouth
Mouth (Oral Cavity) the main cavity
where sound produced in larynx is
Lungs Larynx
mixed and released
Larynx strong, flexible structure
that houses the vocal cords
Lungs Breathing organs; air is
used to produce sound with the
vocal cords
Diaphragm dome shaped
muscle separating the chest &
abdominal cavity; facilitates and
Diaphragm
controls breathing
A closer look: Nasal Cavity one of
the resonators used by
singers, makes sound
bright
Lips the last articulator
Nasal Cavity used to shape sounds
Tongue one of the
articulators used to shape
Tongue sounds
Lips
Jaw adjusts the size of
the opening of the mouth
and lips
Trachea windpipe;
Jaw connects lungs to the rest
of the respiratory system
Vocal Cords
Vocal Cords Create
Trachea sound by vibrating as air
passes through them
Varying Tone
Varying tones can be used by trained singers as a
stylistic choice
Round/Neutral soft palate up, tongue down
Nasal soft palate down, tongue up
Ex. Kristin Chenoweth, David Michael Rosenberg
(Passenger), Britney Spears, Billie Joe Armstrong
(Green Day), etc.
Throaty flattening back of tongue; can get
husky sound
ex. Bonnie Tyler, Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam), James
Hetfield (Metallica), Brian Johnson (AC/DC), Alicia
Keys, Macy Gray, Adele, etc.
Tone Tools:
Soft Palate
Tongue Lips
Jaw
BONUS!
Mixing different tones & techniques for effect
& expression try to identify:
Mika
Jeff Buckley,
Freddie Mercury (Queen)
Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin)
Amplification & Equipment - Basics
Microphone - a device used to capture vibrations
produced by the voice or other sound source for
amplification, transmission, or recording purposes
Amplification & Equipment contd.
The PA System (Public Address System) amplifies
the sound captured by the microphone and
transmits them to speakers
Can amplify multiple sounds at once, depending on
the number of Channels available
Amplification & Equipment contd.
The PA System: Basic Controls
Volume
controls overall
loudness
Bass/Low
makes sound
fuller & warmer
Treble/High
makes sound
light & sparkly
Middle/Mid
between Bass &
Treble
Specialist Gear
2 main types of Microphones

used by singers:
Dynamic Mics
Condenser Mics
Dynamic Usually more durable, able to
handle higher sound pressure levels (high
volume); best for live stage sound (e.g. Shure
Sm58, Shure 55sh, Sennheiser e840, etc.)
Condenser more sensitive & fragile; most often
used in studio setting (e.g. Neumann U87, Audio
Technica AT2050, Rode NT1A, etc); require external
phantom power(sometimes labelled 48V on mixer)
Phantom Power used to
supply electricity to condenser
microphones
External Phantom Power
Not all mixers may have internal phantom power, so

external phantom power boxes are also available on
the market
Understanding Microphone Sensitivity
Measured thru Frequency Range
Human hearing Audible sounds between
20Hz to 20kHz (note: frequency determines
pitch)
Dynamic Mics usually respond to frequencies
between 50Hz-15kHz or 16kHz
Condenser Mics usually respond to frequencies
between 50Hz-20kHz
Live Examples
Shure SM58 Dynamic Handheld Vocal
Microphone ($)
Neumann KMS105 Handheld Condenser
Microphone ($$$)
Resources:
https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/studio-
microphone-buying-guide/
https://www.gearank.com/guides/live-vocal-
mic
https://www.audiolinks.com/blog/the-6-
principles-for-choosing-a-pa-system-thats-
right-for-you/
Notation Guide
Vocal notation can be written on either a Treble or
Bass Clef depending on the Range of the piece
Vocal range the range of notes a particular voice type can
comfortably sing
Main Voice Types:
Female: Soprano & Alto
Both written on Treble clef
Male: Tenor & Bass
Bass is written on the Bass clef, tenor can be written on both clefs
(as in some Choral arrangements), but is usually written on Treble
clef, and sounded an octave lower
Portamento/Slide
Staccato
Stayn a-live stayn a live. Ha ha ha ha stayn a - live
Alternate Lyrics
Hyphens between syllables
Stay-in a-live sta-yin a live.
Fall Off
Scoop In
Word Extensions under Multiple Notes
Unpitched/Spoken Phrases
Vibrato
Band Analysis: Vocal Scores
Scalic Melodies
Intervallic Melodies
Scoop in and Fall Out
Melismas
Call & Response
Parallel Octaves & 3rds

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Vocals G5-8 Review

RSL Popular Music Theory

2 main types of Microphones

Not all mixers may have internal phantom power, so

Stayn a-live stayn a live. Ha ha ha ha stayn a - live

Stay-in a-live sta-yin a live.

Parallel Octaves & 3rds

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