Mediums of the

Performing Arts
 PERFORMING ARTS

Performing arts are creative activities presented before an

audience, on stage, and in open places. When heard and
seen simultaneously, these arts become combined arts. The
performing arts include music, dance, theatre arts (play or
drama), and literature.
 MUSIC
Music is an art. Culture is reflected in
art. The more music a man knows,
the more cultured he becomes.
Music deals with sounds. The
mediums of music are vocal and
instrumental music.
 1. Vocal Music

• Vocal music is the oldest and most natural form of

music.
• Voice is produced by the vibrations of the vocal chords
in the voice box. Since the sound produced by these
vibrations is not loud enough to be heard, resonators
(lungs, esophagus, head, and mouth cavities) are
needed to increase its volume. Hence, correct
positioning of the body, head, and mouth will enable
the air to vibrate freely.
 A. CORRECT POSTURE

• Standing correctly allows the air in the

different body cavities to vibrate and flow
fully.
• Keeping one foot forward will help maintain
body balance.
• When seated while singing, keep your back
away from the chair in a rising position.
 B. CORRECT BREATHING

• The quality and volume of the voice depends

upon breathing.
• Diaphragmatic breathing is advisable, which,
as the name implies, is breathing supported
by the diaphragm.
• In diaphragmatic breathing, proper exhalation
(putting out air) and inhalation (taking in air) is
necessary.
 C. CORRECT PLACEMENT
OF THE VOICE

To prevent throat singing and develop

good tone quality, never force out the
voice. Project the voice upward towards
the head to improve tonal quality.
 D. CORRECT DICTION
• Diction has nothing to do with air vibration but it is just as
important in singing.
• Good diction includes correct pronunciation and distinct
articulation.
• Good diction conveys the meaning of the song to the
listeners. To bring out the meaning of the song, it is important
to sing it in an expressive manner.
 E. CORRECT
INTERPRETATION

• Music is made even more beautiful when it is

interpreted properly.
• How a singer makes use of his face, eyes,
hands, and other parts of the body assists his
voice in conveying the meaning of the song.
• Without correct interpretation,' song becomes
dull and uninteresting.
CLASSIFICATION
OF VOCAL MUSIC
Vocal music can be classified into:
1. Long vocal forms; and
2. Short vocal forms
 A. Long vocal forms include:

1. Opera - drama set to music with action, costume, and scenery. It

consists of overture, arias, recitative, ensemble, and chorus.

2. Cantata - a story told in music without action. It is a smaller version

of the oratorio and may be secular or religious.

3. Oratorio - a form of dramatic music also consisting of an overture,

arias, recitative, and ensemble based on biblical stories or
contemplative characters. It is performed in concert style, without
costume, scenery, or action. Greater emphasis is given to the
chorus and a testo (narrator) is often utilized.
 A. LONG vocal forms include:

4. Moro-moro - a Philippine drama set to music that depicts

Christian and non- Christian conflicts.

5. Zarzuela - a Philippine drama set to music that is similar to

the opera.
B. SHORT vocal forms include:

1. folk songs 6. motet

2. art songs 7. madrigal
3. kundiman 8. ballad
4. balitaw 9. chorale
5. anthem
 VOICE CLASSIFICATION

Voice differs considerably depending on its timbre

(quality) and range.
As to timbre, voices are classified into: women's voices
and men's voices.
 1. WOMEN’S VOICE

a. Soprano - tone is lighter in character, less somber, and frequently

more flexible. It is broken down into:
• mezzo-soprano - medium high in tonal quality
• lyric soprano - less high and flute-like. It is suited for
sweet songs like melodies.

b. Alto or contralto - the tone is richer and fuller

 2. MEN’S VOICE

a. Tenor - the highest type in men's voices

b. Baritone - lies between tenor and bass

c. Bass - lowest and deepest voice quality

 2. Instrumental Music

• Instrumental music is produced by humans with the aid

of musical instruments
• These instruments can either be stringed, wind-blown,
or covered with a membrane to create sound.
 CLASSIFICATION
OF INSTRUMENTS
 Musical Instruments include:

1. String Instruments- these are instruments that are built with strings
and a sound box. (e.g. guitar, harp, yukelele, violin, cello, etc. )
2. Percussion Instruments- these are instruments that produce
sounds when struck and beaten. (e.g. drums, cymbals, triangles,
beat box, xylophone, etc. )
3. Wind Instruments- these are instruments that produce sounds
when blown with air through its chambers. (e.g. flute, clarinet,
trumpet, etc. )