As seen on “American Idol,” Randy Jackson (judge) seems to use the term “pitchy” rather frequently. But are the singers really pitchy or just off key all together? Here’s a good way to decipher the differences.
Singing pitch is the frequency of sound in which you are singing. There are only two ways to go with this, high or low. Also, an interesting piece of information is that notes represent the pitches most commonly used in music. For example, notes include C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C. It is extremely difficult to find the perfect pitch. This is why it is important to train your ears. A great achievement is to memorize a note and base other pitches off from that note. Most base their pitch off of the note of middle C. With this technique, you will be able to recognize pitch.
To define “key” is to analyze a set of notes with a tonal center in the piece of music. Depending on key, a music piece can be either major or minor. In short, to be in the key of C means that “C” is the song’s harmonic center. Every other note complements the key. Singing in key is crucial to sounding great!
Another well-known term you may have heard before is tone. Your singing tone is the type of sound that you produce. Believe it or not, your voice can either be bright or dark, strong or weak, raspy or full. Everyone’s singing tone is unique. When you listen to two different singers singing the exact same song in the same key, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will sound the same. Singing tone even varies with your mood. Songs take you on a journey. While singing a happy song your tone tends to be bright. While singing an angry song your tone tends to be strong and full, maybe even throaty.
So remember, pitch is the frequency of sound and key is the harmonic centerpiece of your song. Also, tone is the quality of sound that you produce.
If you would like to learn more about singing pitch, tone and key, contact Vibe Performing Arts Studios located in Valencia Plaza at 24460 ¼ Lyons Avenue. Call 661-255-7464 or visit www.vibeperformingartsstudios.com. Catch the Vibe!