Singing Gifts

Singing is often done in a group, such as a choir, and may be accompanied by musical instruments, a full orchestra, or a band. Singing with no instrumental accompaniment is called a cappella.

Classical and operatic solo singers are classified by the tessitura, vocal weight and timbre of their voices into voice types. Choral singers are classified by vocal range (see also musical range).

At the highest professional level it is imperative that singers continuously practice with drills, voice exercises and strengthening activities and that without constant practice, a singer's range can be significantly decreased, requiring extra rehearsal to regain the voice's previous capability, much in the same way as any professional level musician must practice constantly with their instrument. However singing is a very natural activity and this kind of intensive practice is not usually necessary for most singers especially outside the field of classical music and where amplification is available, or for semi-professional singers.