Singing Rock

Abstract

In this chapter, the focus is the voice and vocal production. Beginning with a very basic discussion of vocal physiology and the way that sound is produced, the discussion turns to styles of singing and a comparison of “legitimate” and rock vocal production. In rock singing, there are techniques and approaches that differ greatly from traditional means. An examination of them forms much of this chapter, and along with descriptions, exercises are provided to demonstrate and practice these revised performance practices. The importance of text-based and meaning-based singing is stressed throughout, as is the fact that one need not be an accomplished legitimate singer to sing rock. The subject of vocal health and maintenance appears throughout the chapter. There is also a section devoted to the use of vocal microphones on stage. Finally, the vocalisms of various rock singers are analyzed in terms of their usefulness as models for musical theatre performers.