Baby, if you really want to take control of your voice, you’ve got to know the language of singing. These aren’t just fancy words in a textbook this glossary is the real deal. From your vocal cords to your final encore, every term here gives you power. Let’s break it all down. Simple, clear, and full of that Cheryl Porter energy.
Vocal Anatomy and Physiology (40 Terms)
- Abdomen: Core powerhouse supporting breath.
- Arytenoid cartilages: Cartilages controlling vocal fold movement.
- Breath support: Using diaphragm and torso muscles to sustain sound.
- Chest cavity: Expands to create airflow for singing.
- Diaphragm: Dome-shaped breathing muscle critical for singing.
- Epiglottis: Flap protecting airway during swallowing.
- False vocal cords: Folds above true cords that don’t vibrate.
- Glottis: Opening between vocal folds producing sound.
- Hard palate: Bony roof of mouth shaping resonance.
- Larynx: Voice box housing vocal cords.
- Oral cavity: Space of the mouth where diction and tone live.
- Pharynx: Throat cavity shaping resonance.
- Resonators: Mouth, nose, throat amplifying sound.
- Rib cage: Expands to support breathing.
- Soft palate: Movable roof of the mouth controlling airflow.
- Tongue: Shapes vowels and consonants.
- Trachea: Windpipe carrying air.
- Uvula: Affects resonance for open vowels.
- Vocal folds: Tissues vibrating to create pitch.
- Vocal tract: Entire sound path from throat to lips.
- Hyoid bone: Anchors tongue and larynx.
- Cricoid cartilage: Provides structure for folds.
- Thyroid cartilage: Shield for vocal folds.
- Sinuses: Cavities contributing resonance.
- Intercostal muscles: Rib muscles controlling breathing.
- Abdominal muscles: Core muscles for power.
- Nasopharynx: Upper throat behind nose.
- Oropharynx: Middle throat cavity.
- Laryngopharynx: Lower throat near folds.
- Vocalis muscle: Adjusts fold tension.
- Cricothyroid muscle: Stretches folds for high pitch.
- Thyroarytenoid muscle: Thickens folds for low tones.
- Solar plexus: Center of breath support.
- Palate: Hard and soft parts guiding tone.
- Teeth: Help with diction.
- Lips: Shape vowels and consonants.
- Nasal cavity: Adds brightness to tone.
- Cartilaginous framework: Laryngeal support.
- Breathing apparatus: Lungs, ribs, diaphragm powering voice.
- Vocal system: The complete instrument that makes singing possible.
Vocal Registers and Range (20 Terms)
- Chest voice: Full, rich, grounded tones.
- Head voice: Light, floaty tones.
- Mixed voice: Smooth blend of chest and head.
- Falsetto: Light, airy register above chest voice.
- Whistle register: Highest register with flute-like tone.
- Vocal fry: Low creaky vibration.
- Modal voice: Normal speaking and singing register.
- Passaggio: Transition zone between registers.
- Tessitura: Comfortable vocal range sweet spot.
- Range extension: Expanding higher and lower notes.
- Register break: Where voice shifts abruptly.
- Upper register: Highest functional range.
- Lower register: Deep chest tones.
- Middle voice: Zone between chest and head.
- Whistle tone: Extremely high soprano sound.
- Fach: German opera system of classification.
- Subharmonics: Pitches below modal range.
- Octave shift: Jumping seamlessly across octaves.
- Register blending: Smoothing transitions between registers.
- Voice register: Distinct zones of vocal quality.
Vocal Techniques and Effects (40 Terms)
- A cappella: Singing without instruments.
- Appoggio: Italian breath support.
- Bel canto: Smooth, beautiful classical singing.
- Belting: Powerful chest-dominant singing.
- Breathy tone: Airy, soft singing style.
- Circular breathing: Continuous airflow technique.
- Cry technique: Sob-like expressive sound.
- Decrescendo: Gradually softer sound.
- Dynamics: Variations in volume.
- Falsettone: Strong falsetto with chest quality.
- Glissando: Smooth pitch slide.
- Legato: Smooth, connected singing.
- Melisma: Many notes per syllable.
- Projection: Carrying sound to audience.
- Resonance: Natural amplification and ring.
- Scat: Jazz improvisation with syllables.
- Sforzando: Sudden accent.
- Straight tone: Pure pitch with no vibrato.
- Staccato: Short, detached notes.
- Timbre: Unique color of voice.
- Twang: Bright, cutting vocal sound.
- Vibrato: Gentle pitch oscillation.
- Vocal agility: Speed and accuracy in runs.
- Yodeling: Rapid flip between registers.
- Overtones: Secondary frequencies enriching sound.
- Throat singing: Traditional overtone style.
- Growling: Rough, gritty vocal sound.
- Death growl: Extreme metal technique.
- Screaming: Controlled distorted sound.
- Ululation: High-pitched wavering sound.
- Sprechgesang: Half-sung, half-spoken.
- Sotto voce: Subdued, soft singing.
- Squillo: Bright operatic resonance.
- Stagger breathing: Group breathing in choirs.
- Riffing: Stylish runs and embellishments.
- Portamento: Gentle pitch slide.
- Coloratura: Highly ornamented singing.
- Chiaroscuro: Balance of bright and dark tones.
- Forward placement: Resonance in mask area.
- Mask resonance: Vibrations felt in face.
Vocal Health and Care (40 Terms)
- Acid reflux: Condition that damages folds.
- Allergies: Cause swelling and voice issues.
- Dehydration: Dryness affecting folds.
- Dysphonia: Disordered voice function.
- Hoarseness: Rough, raspy tone.
- Laryngitis: Inflammation of voice box.
- Nodules: Growths from strain.
- Overuse: Vocal fatigue from excess.
- Phlegm: Thick mucus affecting clarity.
- Resonant therapy: Training to restore vibration.
- Steam inhalation: Moisture for vocal folds.
- Vocal abuse: Harm from screaming, yelling.
- Vocal fatigue: Tired, strained feeling.
- Vocal hygiene: Habits keeping voice healthy.
- Vocal rest: Silence to recover.
- Hydration: Essential for fold lubrication.
- Warm-ups: Prepping folds for singing.
- Cool downs: Relaxing folds post singing.
- Posture: Alignment for healthy sound.
- Tension release: Relaxing muscles around larynx.
- Speech therapy: Professional retraining.
- ENT specialist: Doctor for vocal health.
- Allergic rhinitis: Swelling affecting tone.
- GERD: Acid condition impacting folds.
- Voice therapy: Treatment for vocal issues.
- Smoking: Damages folds.
- Alcohol: Dries vocal folds.
- Whispering strain: Whispering can harm folds.
- Rest days: Essential for recovery.
- Air humidification: Adds moisture to air.
- Silent reflux: Acid reflux with no symptoms.
- Polyp: Noncancerous growth on folds.
- Hemorrhage: Burst vessel in folds.
- Laryngeal massage: Therapy releasing strain.
- Chronic cough: Damages vocal cords.
- Mucosal wave: Healthy vibration pattern.
- Speech pathology: Science of voice therapy.
- Healthy lifestyle: Foundation for vocal longevity.
- Gentle onset: Soft vocal fold contact.
- Balanced phonation: Equal airflow and fold closure.
Voice Types and Classifications (30 Terms)
- Soprano: Highest female voice.
- Mezzo-soprano: Middle female voice.
- Contralto: Lowest female voice.
- Countertenor: Highest male range.
- Tenor: High male voice.
- Baritone: Medium male voice.
- Bass: Deepest male range.
- Coloratura soprano: High, agile soprano.
- Lyric soprano: Warm, light soprano.
- Dramatic soprano: Powerful operatic soprano.
- Spinto soprano: Blend of lyric and dramatic.
- Lyric tenor: Sweet, bright tenor.
- Dramatic tenor: Heroic, powerful tenor.
- Heldentenor: Wagnerian heroic tenor.
- Basso profundo: Extremely deep bass.
- Basso buffo: Comic bass role.
- Light lyric baritone: Gentle baritone sound.
- Dramatic baritone: Powerful operatic baritone.
- Fach: German classification system.
- Subtype voices: Specific categories in opera.
- Boy soprano: Pre-puberty high male voice.
- Alto: Lower female or youth part.
- Treble: Children’s voice part.
- Choral bass: Low section in choirs.
- Dramatic mezzo: Strong operatic mezzo.
- Lyric mezzo: Lighter mezzo role.
- Falsettist: Male using falsetto range.
- Oratorio tenor: Sacred music specialist.
- Operatic contralto: Rare lowest female role.
- Lyric baritone: Light, warm baritone.
Exercises and Pedagogy (30 Terms)
- Breathing exercises: Training for control.
- Humming: Gentle warm-up sound.
- Lip trills: Buzzing lips for airflow.
- Siren: Sliding through range.
- Solfège: Do-Re-Mi system.
- Staccato drills: Short-note exercises.
- Tongue twisters: Clarity training.
- Vocal fry warm-up: Low vibration warm-up.
- Vocal scales: Fundamental drills.
- Yawn-sigh: Relaxation exercise.
- Vowel modification: Adjusting vowels in range.
- Arpeggios: Singing broken chords.
- Interval training: Learning pitch distances.
- Resonance tuning: Finding best placement.
- Breath management: Training for long phrases.
- Onset exercises: Beginning notes cleanly.
- Offsets: Releasing notes clearly.
- Phrasing: Musical shaping practice.
- Diction drills: Clarity in text.
- Sostenuto: Sustaining tones.
- Agility runs: Speed drills.
- Call and response: Repetition practice.
- Improvisation: Creative exercises.
- Vibrato training: Controlled pitch waves.
- Tone placement: Directing resonance.
- Register bridging: Smooth transitions.
- Strength building: Supporting powerful notes.
- Endurance drills: Sustaining voice over time.
- Microphone technique: Singing with technology.
- Daily practice: Consistent training.
Performance and Style (30 Terms)
- Aria: Operatic solo showcase.
- Audition: Performance test.
- Cadence: Musical resting point.
- Cadenza: Solo ornamented passage.
- Encore: Extra performance after applause.
- Improvisation: Creating music on the spot.
- Medley: Mixing multiple songs.
- Repertoire: Singer’s body of songs.
- Stage presence: Energy brought to stage.
- Storytelling: Emotional delivery.
- Interpretation: Personal expression of music.
- Acting through song: Blending acting and music.
- Gestures: Movement enhancing performance.
- Facial expression: Communicating with face.
- Eye contact: Connecting with audience.
- Confidence: Inner belief on stage.
- Authenticity: Honest performance.
- Communication: Clear emotional connection.
- Poise: Grace on stage.
- Charisma: Magnetic stage quality.
- Body language: Movement speaking with music.
- Improvised dance: Free movement.
- Collaboration: Working with other musicians.
- Listening: Reacting musically.
- Applause cue: Ending for audience response.
- Recital: Formal concert.
- Concert etiquette: Stage manners.
- Costume: Outfit for performance.
- Vocal acting: Singing with character.
- Curtain call: Final bow.
Modern and Recording Terms (30 Terms)
- Auto-Tune: Pitch correction software.
- Beatboxing: Vocal percussion.
- Click track: Metronome for recording.
- Compression: Balancing dynamics.
- DAW: Digital audio workstation.
- Looping: Layering repeated tracks.
- Mixing: Balancing multiple tracks.
- Overdubbing: Adding new tracks.
- Pop filter: Filter blocking plosives.
- Vocal comping: Choosing best takes.
- EQ: Equalization adjusting tone.
- Reverb: Echo effect.
- Delay: Time-based repetition.
- Multitracking: Recording multiple layers.
- Mastering: Final polish for track.
- Sampling: Using recorded snippets.
- Pitch correction: Adjusting intonation.
- Chorus effect: Thickening sound.
- Flanger: Sweeping filter effect.
- Distortion: Adding grit.
- Vocoder: Robotic voice effect.
- Noise gate: Cutting unwanted noise.
- Panning: Placing sound left or right.
- Monitoring: Listening to recording live.
- Playback: Listening back to recording.
- Isolation booth: Soundproof recording space.
- Take: One recording attempt.
- Sound engineer: Technician handling audio.
- Producer: Oversees recording vision.
- Studio session: Professional recording time.
Music Theory & Expression (20 Terms)
- Note: Single musical sound.
- Interval: Distance between notes.
- Scale: Sequence of pitches.
- Arpeggio: Broken chord.
- Harmony: Multiple notes sounding together.
- Melody: Main tune of song.
- Chord: Group of pitches.
- Modulation: Key change.
- Tempo: Speed of music.
- Rhythm: Pattern of beats.
- Syncopation: Off-beat rhythm.
- Time signature: Beats per measure.
- Key signature: Defines tonal center.
- Accidentals: Sharps, flats, naturals.
- Cadence: Musical resolution.
- Fermata: Hold beyond value.
- Slur: Smoothly connect notes.
- Crescendo: Gradual increase in volume.
- Diminuendo: Gradual decrease in volume.
- Ornamentation: Musical decorations.
Vocal Styles & Genres (20 Terms)
- Gospel singing: Soulful church-based style.
- Opera: Classical staged art form.
- Jazz vocals: Improvisational style.
- Blues: Expressive genre of pain and joy.
- Rock vocals: Strong, edgy tone.
- Pop singing: Mainstream commercial style.
- R&B vocals: Smooth, soulful delivery.
- Country singing: Story-driven vocal style.
- Folk vocals: Traditional storytelling style.
- Musical theatre: Acting and singing blend.
- Hip hop vocals: Rhythm and spoken delivery.
- Soul singing: Passionate, powerful sound.
- Choral singing: Group ensemble style.
- A cappella groups: Voice-only performance.
- World music vocals: Global traditional styles.
- Sacred music: Religious vocal music.
- Contemporary worship: Modern church style.
- Indie vocals: Alternative expressive style.
- Classical art song: Solo vocal repertoire.
- Experimental vocals: Pushing creative boundaries.
Final Thoughts from Mama Cheryl
These 300+ singing terms are more than definitions they’re the keys to unlocking your full vocal potential. The more you understand your voice, the more you can express. Don’t just memorize these words use them, feel them, and live them through your sound.
Wanna go from reading about it to living it? Start with Singing Lessons for Beginners or take the full journey inside Mama Cheryl’s Big Bundle.
Learn the terms. Train the technique. Live the music. You’ve got this, baby.
World’s #1 Vocal Coach, Singer, Motivational Educator and Musical Influencer
