The Art of A Cappella Singing

By Mitch Wilson

If you've ever been captivated by a group of singers creating beautiful harmonies without any instruments, you've experienced the magic of a cappella singing.

But what exactly is a cappella singing, and how can beginners start their journey into this unique musical style?

Let's break it down and explore some essential techniques to help you learn how to sing in a cappella correctly and accurately.

How To Sing A Cappella The Right Way

Singing with others without instruments to help guide you isn't as simple as getting together and just winging it.

The most important aspect to singing a capella is that you and the other singers are thinking in terms of a group in addition to their individual parts.

Listening is key!

You want to listen to the singers directy next to you to ensure your section is locked in.

For example, if you're an Alto vocal range singer - you'll want to ensure you're locked in with the other Altos.

But you'll also need to keep an ear out for the Basses so you know where you are in the over arching form of the song, as well as ensuring you're singing in-tune as an entire group.

Here are some more tips on how to sing a capella correctly:

1. Breath Control and Support: A cappella singing demands excellent breath control. Practice breathing deeply and supporting your sound with your diaphragm to maintain steady, controlled notes. This is crucial for both solo and group singing.

2. Pitch Accuracy: Since there are no instruments to guide you, staying in tune is essential. Start by practicing with scales and intervals with a piano or a tuner to develop a strong sense of vocal pitch. Once you feel confident, try singing without any reference tones to test your accuracy.

3. Blend and Balance: In acapella singing, blending your voice with others is key. You don't want any one voice to stand out unless it's a solo. Listen closely to your fellow singers and adjust your volume and tone to create a unified sound. This is what makes acapealla singing so special and unique.

4. Rhythm and Timing: Without a drummer or a metronome, acapella singers must rely on each other to keep time. Do some singing practice by clapping and tapping to internalize the beat, and always be aware of the group's rhythm.

5. Vocal Warm Ups: Just like athletes warm up before a game, acapella singers should warm up their voices. Simple exercises like humming, lip trills, and sirens can help you get your voice ready for accurate and controlled singing.

6. Dynamic Expression: A cappella singing isn’t just about hitting the right notes; it's also about conveying emotion and dynamics. Practice varying your volume and tone to express different feelings and add depth to your performance.

What is A Cappella Singing?

A cappella singing is all about using the human voice as the sole instrument.

The term comes from Italian; 'a cappella' meaning, "in the manner of the chapel."

This style originated from religious music where instruments were often not allowed.

Today, a cappella has evolved into a diverse genre, encompassing everything from classical choral music to modern pop covers.

The beauty of a cappella lies in its simplicity, and the challenge it presents to anyone learning to sing in this way:

To create a full, rich sound without any instrumental accompaniment.

You might notice that some people spell it "acapella," but the correct spelling is "a cappella," with two "p's" and two "l's."

However, you'll see "acapella" used a lot in informal contexts, and many people use the two interchangeably.

So, yes, acapella singing is a real thing, and it's more popular than ever.

Groups like Pentatonix and movies like "Pitch Perfect" have brought it into the mainstream.

Is It Harder to Sing A Cappella?

You might be wondering, is it harder to sing a cappella compared to singing with a band or an orchestra?

The short answer is, yes.

Singing a cappella requires a high level of vocal control, pitch accuracy, and the ability to blend with other voices.

Because there are no instruments to hide behind, every note, breath, and mistake is noticeable.

For acapella singers, singing acapella is both a rewarding and challenging experience.

It requires teamwork, as each singer must listen closely to the others to stay in harmony and maintain the rhythm.

But don't let that intimidate you.

Can anybody learn to sing a cappella - absolutely!

What Does A Cappella Sound Like?

A Cappella is very impressive to hear performed.

You may even need to remind yourself that there are no accompanying instruments being played!

Some a cappella groups even have a beat-boxer keeping the rhythm with their vocal technique.

If you are a vocalist of any level, it's worth a moment to listen to great examples of a cappella singing.

Here are five of the best a cappella singing groups out there:

Pentatonix

This Grammy-winning group is one of the most popular a cappella groups worldwide. Known for their incredible vocal arrangements and beatboxing skills, Pentatonix covers everything from pop hits to holiday classics.

The King’s Singers

A British group with a long history, The King's Singers are known for their smooth harmonies and diverse repertoire, which ranges from classical pieces to contemporary songs. Their precision and musicality have made them a staple in the a cappella community.

Straight No Chaser

Originally formed at Indiana University, Straight No Chaser is known for their humorous and entertaining performances. They blend pop, rock, and holiday songs with a lighthearted approach, making them a fan favorite.

Voces8

An acclaimed British vocal ensemble, Voces8 is celebrated for their diverse range of music, from classical and choral works to jazz and pop. Their tight harmonies and technical skill make them one of the best in the world of a cappella.

Take 6

This American a cappella gospel sextet is known for their soulful harmonies and complex jazz arrangements. Take 6 has been influential in bringing gospel and jazz elements into the a cappella world, earning multiple Grammy Awards along the way.

Conclusion

Whether you're taking beginner singing lessons or have some experience, singing acapella is a wonderful way to explore the full potential of your voice and connect with other singers.

It's a genre that challenges and rewards you, pushing you to become more aware of your vocal abilities and to develop a keen ear for harmony.

Remember, every acapella singer started from scratch, and with these techniques and a bit of practice, you'll be on your way to mastering the art of singing in acapella.

So gather some friends, find a song you love, and start your acapella journey today!

FAQ

What is a capella singing?

A cappella singing is when you use only your voice to make music, with no instruments involved. It’s all about creating melodies, harmonies, and rhythms using just the human voice.

What does acapella mean in singing?

Acapella means singing without any instrumental backing, just voices. The term comes from Italian, meaning "in the style of the chapel," because it originally referred to church music.

Is it a cappella or acapella?

The correct spelling is "a cappella," with two "p's" and two "l's," but you'll often see "acapella" used casually. Both spellings refer to the same style of music.

Is acapella singing a real thing?

Yes, acapella singing is definitely a real thing and a popular one, too! It ranges from barbershop quartets to pop covers by groups like Pentatonix.

What is called a capella singing?

A cappella singing refers to any performance where all the music is made using only voices, without any instrumental accompaniment. It’s all about the vocal harmonies and rhythms created by singers.

Is it harder to sing acapella?

Singing acapella can be harder because there’s no instrumental support to help you stay in tune or keep rhythm. However, with practice, it becomes a fun and rewarding challenge that can improve your vocal skills.