What Do Singers Listen To?

It is no doubt that music plays a huge part in the lives of many performers, as we strive to create art (or at least entertainment) ourselves. There exist musicians of all genres, singers and dancers alike, and it would be impossible to cover all of the types of music out there. We can, however, touch on a select few, the genres that are the most prominent today for aspiring performers.

Classical: although not as popular as it was five decades or so ago, classical music appeals to many singers and dancers. And although we are seeing less and less classical work being performed than before, nearly every performer is originally trained in classical singing/dancing before moving on to more modern types of music. Thus, many performers are, or at least should be, well-versed in famous operas like La Boheme or Carmen, as well as dances like those of The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, to name a few of the most important and popular. Classical training helps keep a performer committed and focused, using more precise muscles to accomplish a beautifully flowing lyric or dance move. Without this kind of appreciation for the older styles, we lose a great depth to modern art.

Pop is still just as big as it was in the 80's, although one can argue that not only has the quality of a lot of pop music been in serious decline since then, but also that there is no longer a single "pop" genre, and instead has broken into several smaller groups, such as alternative pop like No Doubt or Jewel, "teen" pop like N'Sync or Jessica Simpson, and classic pop like Billy Joel or the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson. Since pop only means "popular music," there isn't really a set classification for this. Still, you will find a lot of music referred to as "pop," and it is still a very important genre. A lot of young singers focus their attention to this type of music, mostly because it is the best way to cut a record and get noticed (just look at all the new pop idols of the 90's and auts).

Rock n' Roll, especially Classic Rock, is making a huge comeback, and although there are few people singing or dancing to this type of music, it is a popular form to listen to. Hard Rock, Grunge, Punk, Heavy Metal, and other sub-genres provide some of those varied and interesting melodies around, with fantastic instrumental breaks which can excite any young listener.

Rap, Electronika, and Techno have become the new scene for dance clubs throughout every city in the country. It is here where many dancers strut their stuff and grind to intense rhythms in often too-loud environments. This genre, or more specifically, rap, have become similar to pop music for many singers, since it is possible to be a rap artist with little training and a really bad voice. As one who dislikes most rap music, I won't dwell on this style as I'd undoubtedly be biased, except to say that this form is growing exponentially in today's day and age.

On the opposite side of the spectrum comes oldies, musical theater, and doo-wop. Professional singers love this stuff, as the vocal selections are often more difficult to reach than most modern music, where the tunes are much less dynamic, leaving room for more variation in instrumental and stylistic areas. Doo-wop is very simple, as are the oldies, from singers like The Rat Pack, Bobby Darin, The Shangri-Las, and Dion & The Belmonts, but are great belting songs or soft ballads, typically about love. Many singers will want to familiarize themselves with this genre, as these types of songs are great for auditions. The musical is a major form of entertainment for singers and dancers alike, as they are filled will excitement and intense singing/dance numbers. As mentioned in the "Hangin' Out" section, a lot of performers will make it a point to see theater as often as possible to get to know this kind of art form.

Lastly, we turn to Jazz and Modern music. This is more well-known to dancers around the world, and has become a major genre for entertainment to dancing performers. Laden with improvised rhythms and notes, using a seemingly chaotic pattern which in fact is actually quite structured, these types of music provide a different beat altogether. Modern dance is much less organized than other forms, and relies more heavily on symbolism and sudden motions than the smooth, flowing tone of a classical piece. Younger crowds are generally up on the latest modern and jazz music, and will attend jazz clubs for a nice chill night out, or see a modern dance if they feel like being provoked emotionally or mentally.

In general, performers seek out other performers, whether it be friends or shows by famous celebrities, anything to get a taste of what other people are doing. Often, singers and dancers are also interested in other art forms, like non-musical theater, visual art, etc. Music and television taste varies amongst this breed; it all depends on where that particular singer or dancer chooses to lend his/her focus. But it is enough to say that for this profile of people, the music and entertainment world is a major part of life.