A singer is a person who uses his or her voice to produce music. Often the singer is accompanied by musicians and instruments. While many people sing for pleasure, vocal skill is usually a combination of innate talent and professional training. Page 26, Yehudi Menuhin Music Guides - Voice, Edited by Sir Keith Falkner, ISBN 0-356-09099-X People who fit the above requirements are referred to as vocalists.
A lead singer performs the primary vocals of a song, as opposed to a backing singer who sings backup vocals or harmonies. An exception is five-part gospel a cappella music, where the lead is the highest of the five voices and sings a descant, and not the melody.
Professional singers usually undergo voice training, provided by a voice teacher or coach.
