Are you a solo singer? How do you know?
I know that you love to sing, because you're reading this post.
You may belong (or have done in the past) to choirs and small ensemble singing groups. Perhaps you even get the opportunity to sing solo for concerts occasionally. But, I also know that there are times when you feel like the experience could be better. You know that all this singing should be paying off, but strangely it's not.
Let's explore the difference between choral, ensemble, and solo singing... (I'm playing devil's advocate here... indulge me!)
Choral singing is the art of singing in a large-ish group. It can be a very rewarding experience, as it allows singers to come together en masse and create some of the world's most beautiful music. Choral singers must learn to blend their voices together and bend to the will and artistic direction of the conductor.
Ensemble singing is similar to choral singing, but it usually involves a smaller group of singers. Ensemble singers often have more individual responsibility, as they are expected to sing more solo fragments and play a more active role in the musical arrangement. The blend of voices and listening to each other is critical.
Solo singing is the art of singing by oneself. It can be a very challenging experience, as it requires singers to be confident and to project their voices clearly. Solo singers must also be able to interpret the music in their own way and bring their own unique personality to the performance.
Some questions for you ...
- Which of these three types of singing do you most identify with?
- Which of the three do you most regularly do? And - how many of the three do you do?
- Can there be a distinction between them?
The answer? ... Oh yes indeed!
I invite you to watch this Little Soprano archive vlog from my YouTube library. In this video, I put forward the reasons why perhaps you cannot truly do all three types of singing equally well.
Bottom line? If your vocal development truly means something to you, I encourage you to make a choice.
Curious about singing basics? Let's get you started with the right learning tools.
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Singing Basics Guide
Getting to grips with or making improvements to your singing and the methods to achieve progress are all far easier and more accessible than you think.
