ABSTRACT

Composing for the human voice requires special care. Singers need to be able to pitch their notes from other voices or instruments around them. Not many singers possess perfect pitch, by which notes can be accurately sung almost "automatically." Most rely on sympathetic writing that enables them to pre-hear their pitches. Composers should take this into account. In addition, there is a difference between composing for amateur and composing for professional singers. Amateur singers will need more assistance with pitching than do professionals, although both appreciate some understanding from composers of their particular performance problems. A good way to test the viability of your writing is to sing the parts yourself, while playing the surrounding music. If you can't pitch the vocal line, how do you expect others to? Claiming that you are not a singer is no excuse! The ability to pitch notes, especially against other harmonies, is a skill common to all musicians and is not unique to trained singers.