DEFINITIONS.
Verse:
The verse is the part of the song that tells a story. It gives listeners more insight leading to the main message of the song and it moves the story forward..
Refrain:
A refrain is a line (also can be the title) that is repeated at the end of every verse. The refrain is different from the chorus.
Chorus:
The chorus is the part of the song that often sticks to the mind of a listener because it contrasts with the verse and is repeated several times. The main theme is expressed in the chorus; the title of the song is usually included in the chorus too.
Differences Between Refrain and Chorus:
Although both have lines that are repeated and may contain the title, the refrain and chorus vary in length. The refrain is shorter than the chorus; often the refrain is composed of 2 lines while the chorus can be made up of several lines. The chorus is also melodically, rhythmically and lyrically different from the verse and expresses the main message of the song.
Pre-Chorus:
Also known as the "climb", "build", or "channel", this part of the song differs melodically and lyrically from the verse and comes before the chorus. The reason why it's called a climb is because it heightens the anticipation of the listeners for the coming climax which is the chorus.
Bridge:
The bridge comes after the second chorus of your song and its main purpose is to add contrast. This could be either a new chord progression that breaks up the repetitive verse/chorus structure, an instrumental solo, new lyrical message etc. It is shorter than the verse and should offer a reason why the final chorus needs to be repeated. It also differs melodically, lyrically and rhythmically from the verse and chorus.
Outro: The end of a song can sometimes be referred to as an outro. This is when the song fades out gradually or has some kind of big finale. This could be the chorus repeated a number of times with the singer using ad lib.
Ad lib:
In Latin called, ad libitum means "at will". An ad lib occurs when the main lead vocal breaks away from the already established lyric and/or melody to add melodic interest and intensity to the end of the song, giving the vocalist the freedom to use whichever tempo he or she wishes. Often, the ad lib repeats the previously sung line using variations on phrasing, melodic shape, and/or lyric. There is a distinction between ad lib as a song section and ad lib as a general term. Ad lib as a general term can be applied to any free interpretation of the musical material.
Vocal Types
A choir would have 4 basic vocal types or ranges – Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass (SATB.) Vocal Range is one of the key indicators of what type of voice a singer may have. For example, if a male singer has a relatively high voice, he would probably be classified as a Tenor or even a Counter Tenor, whereas if a female singer has a high voice, she would probably be classified as a Soprano.
Vocal Tone
Different singers have varying Vocal Tones, as some may have voices that are bright and ringing, whereas others may have voices that sound dark and heavy. For example, if we have a heavy and powerful voice, we would know that we can most probably do songs that require more belting or vocal projection! Whereas if we have a lighter and more delicate voice, we would do more of love ballads that require a certain sensitivity and lightness in tone.
Tessitura (Voice Strength) Tessitura often called the sweet voice refers to the vocal range within which our voice is at its most comfortable and sounding its best. Knowing where our Voice Strength lies is key to understanding what voice type we belong to. For example, a soprano would have a stronger head voice whereas a bass singer would have a stronger middle voice.
Mezzo Soprano Most ladies belong to this voice type as the Mezzo Soprano voice is the most common female voice type and it lies between the higher Soprano voice and the lower alto voice. The vocal range for the Mezzo Soprano voice would probably transition out of chest voice around the E and shift into head voice. The Mezzo Soprano has a stronger middle voice and a weaker head voice as compared to the Soprano. Also, the tone of the Mezzo Soprano’s voice is darker or deeper than the Soprano’s.
Alto This is the lowest among the female voices, and it is certainly more unique among females, as the typical female voices would probably either be the Soprano or Mezzo Soprano voices.
What is a hook?
In songs, a “hook" refers to that part of a song that catches the ear of the listener. In other words, it's a lyrical line or melodic phrase that makes the song memorable. It may be the title of the song, a lyrical line (usually repeated) that summarizes what the song is about, a rhythmic passage or an instrumental part called "riff."
What is a riff?
In music itself, the series of notes, chord pattern or musical phrase that are repeated is called a "riff."
The verse is the part of the song that tells a story. It gives listeners more insight leading to the main message of the song and it moves the story forward..
Refrain:
A refrain is a line (also can be the title) that is repeated at the end of every verse. The refrain is different from the chorus.
Chorus:
The chorus is the part of the song that often sticks to the mind of a listener because it contrasts with the verse and is repeated several times. The main theme is expressed in the chorus; the title of the song is usually included in the chorus too.
Differences Between Refrain and Chorus:
Although both have lines that are repeated and may contain the title, the refrain and chorus vary in length. The refrain is shorter than the chorus; often the refrain is composed of 2 lines while the chorus can be made up of several lines. The chorus is also melodically, rhythmically and lyrically different from the verse and expresses the main message of the song.
Pre-Chorus:
Also known as the "climb", "build", or "channel", this part of the song differs melodically and lyrically from the verse and comes before the chorus. The reason why it's called a climb is because it heightens the anticipation of the listeners for the coming climax which is the chorus.
Bridge:
The bridge comes after the second chorus of your song and its main purpose is to add contrast. This could be either a new chord progression that breaks up the repetitive verse/chorus structure, an instrumental solo, new lyrical message etc. It is shorter than the verse and should offer a reason why the final chorus needs to be repeated. It also differs melodically, lyrically and rhythmically from the verse and chorus.
Outro: The end of a song can sometimes be referred to as an outro. This is when the song fades out gradually or has some kind of big finale. This could be the chorus repeated a number of times with the singer using ad lib.
Ad lib:
In Latin called, ad libitum means "at will". An ad lib occurs when the main lead vocal breaks away from the already established lyric and/or melody to add melodic interest and intensity to the end of the song, giving the vocalist the freedom to use whichever tempo he or she wishes. Often, the ad lib repeats the previously sung line using variations on phrasing, melodic shape, and/or lyric. There is a distinction between ad lib as a song section and ad lib as a general term. Ad lib as a general term can be applied to any free interpretation of the musical material.
Vocal Types
A choir would have 4 basic vocal types or ranges – Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass (SATB.) Vocal Range is one of the key indicators of what type of voice a singer may have. For example, if a male singer has a relatively high voice, he would probably be classified as a Tenor or even a Counter Tenor, whereas if a female singer has a high voice, she would probably be classified as a Soprano.
Vocal Tone
Different singers have varying Vocal Tones, as some may have voices that are bright and ringing, whereas others may have voices that sound dark and heavy. For example, if we have a heavy and powerful voice, we would know that we can most probably do songs that require more belting or vocal projection! Whereas if we have a lighter and more delicate voice, we would do more of love ballads that require a certain sensitivity and lightness in tone.
Tessitura (Voice Strength) Tessitura often called the sweet voice refers to the vocal range within which our voice is at its most comfortable and sounding its best. Knowing where our Voice Strength lies is key to understanding what voice type we belong to. For example, a soprano would have a stronger head voice whereas a bass singer would have a stronger middle voice.
Mezzo Soprano Most ladies belong to this voice type as the Mezzo Soprano voice is the most common female voice type and it lies between the higher Soprano voice and the lower alto voice. The vocal range for the Mezzo Soprano voice would probably transition out of chest voice around the E and shift into head voice. The Mezzo Soprano has a stronger middle voice and a weaker head voice as compared to the Soprano. Also, the tone of the Mezzo Soprano’s voice is darker or deeper than the Soprano’s.
Alto This is the lowest among the female voices, and it is certainly more unique among females, as the typical female voices would probably either be the Soprano or Mezzo Soprano voices.
What is a hook?
In songs, a “hook" refers to that part of a song that catches the ear of the listener. In other words, it's a lyrical line or melodic phrase that makes the song memorable. It may be the title of the song, a lyrical line (usually repeated) that summarizes what the song is about, a rhythmic passage or an instrumental part called "riff."
What is a riff?
In music itself, the series of notes, chord pattern or musical phrase that are repeated is called a "riff."