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Difference Between Singer and Vocalist

September 9, 2011 Posted by Aron

Singer vs Vocalist

Singer and Vocalist are two words that are often confused as one and the same. Strictly speaking, there is some difference between the two words. A singer is one who sings film songs or sometimes referred to as a playback singer. On the other hand, a vocalist is the one who sings classical music. This is the main difference between the two words.

In other words, it can be said that a classical singer is called a vocalist, whereas a playback singer is simply called by the name singer. A singer need not undergo training in the classical music or the classical methods of singing. On the other hand, a vocalist should necessarily undergo training in the field of classical music and should sing in the classical mode or the traditional mode.

It is interesting to note that a vocalist gets trained for several years before giving his performance on the stage. On the other hand, a singer has to just get through the audition test to sing a song in a movie. Another important difference between a singer and a vocalist is that a singer can sing light music too. On the other hand, a vocalist has to sing heavy or classical music. He cannot often sing light music. This is an important observation to make when it comes to the difference between a signer and a vocalist.

All vocalists can be singers but all singers cannot be vocalists. This is because of the weight in classical music. Singers that are adept in light music often find it difficult to sing in the classical mode. On the other hand, singers who sing in classical mode can sing in the light mode very easily. These are the main differences between the words, singer and vocalist.

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Filed Under: Professions, Words Tagged With: audition, Classical music, classical singer, light music, playback singer, singer, vocalist

About the Author: Aron

Professor in Social Science and a contributing writer for Difference Between

Comments

  1. Miranda says

    February 19, 2013 at 10:56 pm

    That is not true!! These words actually don’t mean anything until defined. A “singer” is a profession, a “vocalist” is also an act of making a sound of the voice. Technically, it’s the body that makes/produces the sound. Sound technically comes from the body. A “singer” and “vocal” are just blanket terms for this.

    Reply
  2. Gold says

    June 29, 2019 at 8:37 am

    This is true!! These are actually different because a singer is not trained but a vocalist is trained by a vocal coach
    A singer can be a vocal but a vocal can’t be a singer.

    Reply
    • Thomas says

      December 1, 2019 at 8:42 pm

      Checked the dictionary:
      sing·er | ˈsiNGər |
      noun
      a person who sings, especially professionally: a pop singer.

      vo·cal·ist | ˈvōkələst |
      noun
      a singer, typically one who regularly performs with a jazz or pop group.

      Reply
  3. Meade says

    March 4, 2020 at 11:40 pm

    I believe I have a different take on this. I believe a vocalist to be one who sings, but not really a strong performer in the sense that they tend to one style which they implement for every tune. A singer , however, sings a wide variety of songs and makes each their own through individual performance, much like an actor plays a part, a singer does that. A vocalist would be someone who’s singing is the secondary function: think John Mayer. A singer , or “singers singer” is one with a compelling voice who has different shades on each song: Think Frank Sinatra/Elvis.

    Reply
  4. ash says

    June 22, 2020 at 6:47 pm

    its very SIMPLE…. put a written musical score in front of a SINGER and ask them to sing it, and watch the expression on their face….!!! On the other hand, VOCALISTS who have have studied and trained for years, will gladly perform……. where as SINGERS, would look at the score and what the hell is that all about….!!!

    Reply

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