vocalist
One who sings
A vocalist is a singer, especially one who performs with a band or musical group rather than as a solo artist.
The term emphasizes the voice as an instrument among others: The band hired a new vocalist after their lead singer quit.
Jazz and pop groups typically distinguish between the vocalist and the instrumentalists.
Soft-voiced romantic vocalist
- divaCelebrated female vocalist
- chanteuseFemale nightclub singer
- songstressFemale musical performer
- balladeerSinger of narrative songs
troubadour · belter · warbler · cantatrice · minstrel · yodeler · caroler · frontman
Highest female voice range
- altoLower female voice
- tenorEssential meaning or import
- baritoneMid-range male voice
- bassDeep pitch or fish
contralto · mezzo-soprano · countertenor · treble · lyric tenor · castrato
Sound's distinctive character
- toneQuality of sound
- pitchFrequency of sound
- rangeExtent of variation
- resonanceAmplified oscillation at natural frequency
vibrato · falsetto · belting · projection · breath control · phrasing · diction · articulation
Organized group of singers
- chorusSingers performing together
- ensembleUnified group or outfit
- a cappellaSinging without instruments
- barbershopHair-cutting establishment
backup singer · harmony singer · blend · part-singing · unison · duet · trio · quartet
crooner
Soft-voiced romantic vocalist
- divaCelebrated female vocalist
- chanteuseFemale nightclub singer
- songstressFemale musical performer
balladeer · troubadour · belter · warbler · cantatrice · minstrel · yodeler · caroler · frontman · frontwoman
soprano
Highest female voice range
bass · contralto · mezzo-soprano · countertenor · treble · lyric tenor · castrato
timbre
Sound's distinctive character
resonance · vibrato · falsetto · belting · projection · breath control · phrasing · diction · articulation · modulation
choir
Organized group of singers
- chorusSingers performing together
- ensembleUnified group or outfit
- a cappellaSinging without instruments
barbershop · backup singer · harmony singer · blend · part-singing · unison · duet · trio · quartet · doo-wop
microphone
Audio input device
- stageRaised performance platform
- concertLive musical performance
- tourPlanned multi-destination journey
gig · recital · audition · encore · setlist · soundcheck · spotlight · live · amplified · unplugged
opera
Theatrical art combining song
soul · blues · folk · country · gospel · R&B · classical · musical theater · cabaret · lounge
- singersopera singers, folk singers, soprano, alto, tenor
- Lead Singerslead singer, frontman, Freddie Mercury, Mick Jagger, Robert Plant
- music makerssinger, songwriter, composer, musician, producer
- musicianspianist, guitarist, electric guitarist, bassist, singer-songwriter
- vocalistssinger, soloist, songstress, songster, crooner
- jazz bandsjazz band, big band, swing band, combo, ensemble
vocalistinstrumentalist
One who performs music
session musician · accompanist · guitarist · drummer · pianist
- backup vocalistSecondary singer supporting lead
- lead vocalistPrimary singer in group
- backing vocalistSinger supporting the frontperson
- female vocalist
- jazz vocalistSinger of improvisational music