SAEDNEWS: Both are fundamental aspects of singing. Anyone who intends to pursue a serious singing career needs to start with voice training and consistently follow proper techniques to keep their voice in optimal condition. In this article, we explore the differences between Solfege and voice training.
When we use the term “voice building”, it implies the act of creating — developing a special musical quality that did not previously exist in an individual’s vocal range. Through a deliberate process, practice, and knowledge, this quality is formed or “created” in the voice.
However, when a unique musical quality already exists in a voice — meaning the singer has natural talent — and it is enhanced using techniques like Solfege, vocal runs, and technical exercises, this process is better described as empowerment. Almost all vocal students, in various singing styles worldwide, are actually practicing empowerment techniques, even though they often mistakenly call it voice building.
In essence:
Voice Building: Focuses on creating a remarkable vocal ability where none previously existed.
Vocal Empowerment: Enhances and develops an existing vocal talent to reach higher performance levels.
Solfege (from French, also called Seraayesh in Persian) is a system that helps singers understand the structure of music. It emphasizes learning notes and pitch. The notes Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Ti, Do serve as the alphabet of music, helping singers recognize and match melodies.
A good singer must also be a good listener, practicing and repeating notes and melodies to synchronize their voice. Solfege teaches the relationship between different notes and their sounds, helping singers accurately perform music with lyrics. Learning it correctly from the start is crucial for understanding music.
Solfege is a fundamental system used worldwide, allowing musicians to compose and perform music anywhere. While beginners may focus mainly on singing, mastering Solfege enables them to eventually write and enjoy their own music.
Voice building focuses on the physical and technical side of singing. It teaches how to sing notes with different volumes, apply vocal techniques like trills, vibrato, and develop vocal registers including chest, mix, and head voice.
In short, voice building trains the voice and vocal cords to achieve maximum potential, allowing singers to produce the best possible sound.
Both are essential for vocal learning, but they serve different purposes:
Voice Building: Focuses on the physical aspects of singing — controlling the vocal cords, breathing, warming up, and navigating vocal registers. It emphasizes practicing to produce strong, controlled, and accurate sound.
Solfege: Focuses on music theory — learning notes, rhythm, and melody, training the mind to understand and execute music correctly.
A useful analogy: Solfege is like tuning a musical instrument, while voice building is like repairing, adjusting, and physically preparing the instrument. Solfege trains your mind to read and imagine music, whereas voice building trains your body and voice to produce sound efficiently.
Even a naturally talented singer can damage their voice without proper training. Voice building teaches how to protect and enhance the voice, while Solfege ensures accurate pitch and musical understanding. Together, they create a strong foundation for professional singing.
For optimal learning, start with voice building while simultaneously practicing Solfege. This combination strengthens both the physical and mental aspects of singing, leading to better performance, vocal control, and musical interpretation.
