Criteria

Singing in its most literal definition is making musical sounds with the voice. Anyone can sing, whether it’s perceived as well is a different story. Perception has always been a blockade when it comes to judging singing talent. People have different tastes and opinions, so it’s often difficult to come to a real consensus. If you are evaluating singing itself, there is a technical correctness that involves the scientific aspect of vocalizing. Because there is a healthy and proper way to physically sing, there is some sort of objectivity that can be achieved when it comes to judging how well one uses their voice.

The objective of this blog is to demonstrate how skillful a vocalist is with regard to his singing, judging only the use of an adequate vocal technique, based on vocal pedagogy and everything that it encompasses.

It’s important to note that much of the vocabulary and terms used have been adapted from classical music to apply to contemporary singing. Vocal classifications, namely, were intended for classical singers. The trouble that comes with applying those terms to current day singing is: 

1. People physically sing differently now. For instance, mixing/belting didn’t exist for women in classical singing.
2. Everyone was trained the same way. The standard method of teaching was the healthy and proper way to do so. When that is the case, it makes classification and determining vocal characteristics much easier.

Due to these factors, certain terms won’t apply and are banned from this blog. Take a look on our Terminology section to know the terms used and their definitions.

In this sense, a series of characteristics that are evaluated to realize the profiles are presented: 

• Support
• Breath management
• Closing vocal cords
• No constriction (total or majority absence of tension/strain)

• Vocal Registers
• Chest voice (Modal voice)
• Mixed voice (Modal voice)
• Head voice (Modal voice)
• Falsetto
• Whistle

(They’re judged on how support is applied to them. As falsetto and whistle register don’t present proper closure of the vocal cords then they can’t be supported (but relaxed and well-articulated).

• Intonation

• Stability

• Projection
• Placement
• Vibrato
• Resonance
• Tone production

• Agility

• Musicianship/Musicality

The “vocal profile” is where you’ll find the full length analysis of a given singer’s voice. There are numerous parts, but all come together to provide a good look at how skilled a vocalist is.

The profiles might change according to their latest performance; however, changes will be reflected on them.