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10 Singing Styles and Genres to Know: A Complete Guide

10 Singing Styles and Genres to Know: A Complete Guide - MBMA

Do you desire to develop a vocal career? Are you confused to pursue a career in a suitable singing genre? Well! Attractive singing styles are a vital contributing factor to achieving success.

The aim is to develop a fanbase in your focused music genre.  In your vocal lessons, it is important to experiment with every style.

First, you need to know different styles. Secondly, know the popularity of the singing genres in the culture you live. The global scope of your singing styles and genres will determine your success. 

We have procured information on various singing genres and styles from the top musical experts. To know more, scroll down below.

Singing Styles and Genres

Many vocalists are curious to know the different singing styles and genres. Once you learn them, you can apply them to become versatile in your singing styles.

Versatility will help to collaborate with artists that possess different singing styles. Moreover, understanding the styles and genres will develop creativity in you. 

1. Pop

The full form of Pop is popular. The term “Pop” is the kind of singing style that is unique in its availability. The pop singing style was discovered in the early 20th century. It has a broad appeal to the general audience. This singing genre has achieved commercial success.

The audience loves pop music because of its engaging melodies, catchy lyric, and powerful rhythms. Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Tailor Swift are the biggest-selling artists in the history of pop music.

2. Rock

The rock singing style is characterized by its energetic, robust, and aggressive music. It was developed in the 1950s. Rock music has progressed to incorporate the element of other music genres like metal, punk, and alternative rock.

It is vital to use your powerful singing techniques. In addition, you are required to use a high vocal range with a lot of vibratos. Rock singing style is about expressing emotions by growling, shouting, and screaming. Popular rock singing icons are Freddie Mercury, Robert Plant, and Axl Rose. 

3. Country

Country singing style is associated with the music genre of the specific country. The unique country singing is incorporated by simple instruments like fiddle, steel guitar, and fiddle.

The key is express emotions in the songs through a story-telling singing style. Thus, making the audience feel part of it. You need to use vibrato distinctively in the country singing style. Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Patsy Cline are popular names in country music. 

4. Jazz

Jazz singing style is a kind of vocal performance that has an association with jazz music. The key is to improvise on the rhythmic complexity and vocal techniques. You need great creativity and musical skills.

In addition, the usage of vocal dynamics creates powerful and loud music. The audience experiences a sense of tension and drama. The famous names in jazz music are Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald.  

5. Blues

Blue singing style is also known as blues. And it is linked with the blues music genre. When you sing with blue style, it is important to express the emotions of love, struggle, and heartbreak.

As a blues singer, it is necessary to use vocal ornamentation like mourn and growling to deliver a message to the audience. At the time of the performance, you need to use repetitive lyrics and melodies.

Improvisation is the key to creating an impact on the audience. Muddy waters, Etta James, and B.B. King are well-known artists in the blues music genre.  

6. R&B

Rhythm and blues (R&B) singing style has a close association with blues and rhythm. Soul and upbeat sounds are the key elements in R&B music.

It is the blend of vocal techniques of gospel, Jazz, and blues music. R&B vocalists use high-pitched vocal techniques like falsetto. So, it adds sweetness to the voice.

At the time of performance, it is essential to use a variety of vocal dynamics. It can be from loud to powerful. Thus, creating a sense of tension and drama. Stevie Wonders, Whitney Houston, and Aretha Franklin are iconic artists in the R&B music genre.  

7. Hip-Hop

Hip-hop singing style, also known as rapping. And it has a close association with Hip-hop music. It involves rhythmic word delivery, and performing using rhyming lyrics.

As a hip-hop artist, you need to express emotions through the story in the lyrics.

It can be political, social, or personal. To spice up and add textures, you can use vocal effects like distortion and pitch-shifting. Jay-Z, Kanye West, Eminem, and Snoop Dogg are some of the popular Hip-hop artists.

8. Gospel

Gospel singing style is a significant part of gospel music. It is established by African American citizens in the United States. The Gospel singing genre is characterized by its harmony, soulful, emotive sound, and call-and-response.

The lyrics of gospel music express catholic religious beliefs like salvation, faith, and redemption. The iconic gospel singer with unique singing styles is Aretha Franklin, Kirk Franklin, and Mahalia Jackson.

9. Classical

Classical singing style has an association with classical music. Classical performers use a variety of music styles. The music is characterized by clarity, expressive range, and technical precision.

As a classical vocalist, you need to use the right vocal techniques to have a controlled and clear voice. Vibrato is essential to add expressiveness and warmth to the performance.

The lyrics are poetic and complex in classical music. Placido Domingo, Maria Callas, and Luciano Pavarotti are famous names in classical music.

10. Folk

Folk singing style is the kind of singing performance that has an association with folk music. It depicts cultural and traditional roots. Folk music is accompanied by fiddle, banjo, and guitar.

As a folk singer, you need to express sincerity in storytelling. The key focus is on simple harmonies and melodies. Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, and Woody Guthrie are some well-known artists in folk music.

Benefits of Learning Different Singing Styles and Genres

Singers with different styles and genres will have the advantage of performing with various artists. Thus, increasing their chances for success in the music industry.

1. Versatility

When you learn various singing styles, you will achieve versatility in your vocal career. So, you will have more scope to grab career or business opportunities in the music industry.

2. Music Knowledge

You will gain more music knowledge of the various singing genre. It will help to collaborate with other music genre artists to form a great music peace.  

3.   Creativity

Singing and producing music is about creativity. Once you listen and learn different singing styles, you will improve your creativity. Moreover, you will get recognition if your creativity is liked by the general audience. 

Closure

We hope, you got an insight into the different singing styles in the music world. You need to experiment with the styles and select the suitable one. First, music knowledge of the singing genre is important.

If you want to develop your career in Western, and Hindustani Classical vocal music, join MB Music Academy. It is the first career-driven academy in India with the best vocal experts. 

You will find beginners to professional-level courses. So, take a step by visiting our website: https://mbmusicacademy.org.