Valve

A vacuum tube that acts as an amplification component, is also known simply as a tube. Since the silicon revolution, this component has been replaced in amplification circuits with the transistor.

Vamp

A vamp in music refers to a short, repeated musical phrase or chord progression. It is often used as an introduction, a bridge between sections, or a way to extend a part of a performance. Vamps can be instrumental, vocal, or both, and they serve as a flexible foundation for improvisation or transitions.

Characteristics of a Vamp:

• Repetition: The defining feature of a vamp is its repetition. The pattern repeats until a cue is given to move on.
• Flexibility: Vamps are usually simple, making them easy for musicians to adapt or extend during live performances.
• Functionality: They can set the mood, build anticipation, or provide time for performers to interact with the audience or change instruments.

Common Uses of Vamps:

1. Introductions: A vamp can create a groove before a song officially starts, allowing performers to establish the rhythm and key.
2. Transitions: In musicals or live performances, vamps are used to fill time or smoothly move between sections.
3. Improvisation: Jazz and other improvisational styles often rely on vamps as a foundation for solos.
4. Ending: A vamp can be repeated at the end of a song to stretch out the closing, often fading out or leading to a climactic finish.

Example:

A classic example of a vamp is the iconic two-chord progression in Duke Ellington’s “Take the A Train”, which musicians use to improvise solos or fill space before returning to the main melody.

In short, a vamp is a versatile musical tool that combines simplicity with creative potential, making it an essential concept across many genres and live performances.

Vanity Publishing

A vanity publication (also vanity recording) is created to be just like a professional product with the exception that it is not released, distributed or sold by retailers.

Vanity projects are paid for by the artist or writer.

Venue

A place where “live” performances occur, including:

• stadiums
• arenas
• concert halls
• sheds
• theaters
• clubs

Variation

In music, a variation is a technique where a musical idea—such as a melody, harmony, rhythm, or theme—is repeated with changes or modifications. These changes can range from subtle to dramatic, but the original idea remains recognizable. Variations are used to add interest, complexity, or emotional depth to a piece.

Characteristics of Variation:

• Core Idea: The foundation of a variation is a pre-existing musical theme, phrase, or section.
• Transformation: Variations alter aspects like pitch, rhythm, harmony, instrumentation, or dynamics.
• Continuity and Contrast: While variations stay connected to the original theme, they introduce new elements to create contrast and keep the listener engaged.

Common Uses of Variation:

1. Thematic Development: Variations help composers explore the possibilities of a musical idea, developing it in new and creative ways.
2. Improvisation: In jazz and other improvisational genres, musicians create variations in real time based on a theme.
3. Variation Form: Some compositions are built entirely around a sequence of variations, such as Theme and Variations pieces.

Example of Variation:

One of the most famous examples of variation form is “The Goldberg Variations” by Johann Sebastian Bach. It begins with a simple aria and unfolds into 30 unique variations, each showcasing different techniques and styles while remaining rooted in the original theme.

In modern music, variation appears in genres like pop, rock, and jazz, where a recurring chorus or riff might be altered slightly in each iteration to add texture or emotion.

Variation is a cornerstone of musical creativity, allowing composers and performers to balance familiarity with innovation.

Venue Fees/Hall Fees

Fees that the owner or manager of the Venue charges the artist or the artist’s merchandiser in order to sell artist merchandise at the venue. Most venues will state that their standard fee is 35% of the gross wholesale receipts from the sale of the artist merchandise, but this fee is often negotiable.

Venues License

In the U.K., venues buy performance licenses from PRS (for compositions) and PPL (for recordings). The license gives the venue the right to play live and recorded music.

Large venues send complete usage returns for all music played in their venue, to PPL and PRS.

Venue License money is divided between the members of PRS and PPL, minus the society commission.

Verse

The verse is the meat of a song. The function of the verse is to provide a context, provide background information, set the scene or tell a story, establish the vehicle by which the message of the song will be delivered, develop and evolve the story.

The verse gives listeners a deeper understanding of the main message of the song and it is the main method of giving a sense of progress through a song.

The first verse establishes the meter (lyrical rhythm), the rhyme scheme for further verses, and the type of language and phrasing to be used throughout the song.

Songs commonly have a number of verses, each composed of several lines. Rhyme may or may not be used within verses, but once established a rhyme scheme works best when it is adhered to.

As the song progresses, each verse further develops the story or theme.

In music, a verse is a section of a song that typically contains the narrative or storytelling elements. It often features changing lyrics in each repetition, contrasting with sections like the chorus, which generally have consistent lyrics and melody. The verse plays a key role in developing the song’s emotional and thematic content.

Characteristics of a Verse:

• Lyrical Focus: The lyrics in the verse are usually unique for each repetition, providing the song’s details or progressing the storyline.
• Melodic Simplicity: Verses often have a more subdued melody compared to the chorus, allowing the focus to stay on the lyrics.
• Contrast with Chorus: The verse sets up the emotional impact of the chorus, which typically follows and serves as the song’s climax or hook.

Structure of a Verse:

• Verses are usually part of the larger song structure, such as verse-chorus-verse or verse-chorus-bridge.
• They often share the same chord progression and rhythm across repetitions, but the lyrics change to keep the narrative fresh.

Example:

In “Let It Be” by The Beatles, the verses tell a reflective and personal story, setting up the recurring, anthemic chorus.

Variations Across Genres:

• In folk and storytelling songs, the verse often dominates the structure, carrying the entire narrative.
• In pop and rock, verses provide context and build toward the hook in the chorus.
• In rap and hip-hop, the verse is usually the main focus, featuring intricate wordplay and flows.

The verse is an essential building block of songwriting, offering space for storytelling and emotional connection with the listener. Its interplay with other sections, like the chorus and bridge, shapes the song’s overall structure and impact.

Vibrato

Vibrato is a musical effect involving a slight, rapid fluctuation in pitch, creating a wavering or pulsating sound. It is commonly used by singers, instrumentalists, and electronic devices to add expressiveness, warmth, and richness to a performance.

Characteristics of Vibrato:

• Pitch Oscillation: Vibrato is characterized by a controlled oscillation above and below the main pitch.
• Frequency: The speed of the oscillation (measured in cycles per second) can vary, from slow and dramatic to fast and subtle.
• Amplitude: The extent of the pitch fluctuation determines whether the vibrato is wide and noticeable or narrow and delicate.

Techniques for Creating Vibrato:

1. Vocal Vibrato: Singers produce vibrato by balancing tension and relaxation in their vocal cords, resulting in a natural oscillation of pitch.
2. String Instruments: String players achieve vibrato by rocking their finger on the string, altering its length slightly to vary the pitch.
3. Wind Instruments: Vibrato in wind instruments is created by varying breath pressure, lip tension, or jaw movement.
4. Electronic Devices: Synthesizers, pedals, and effects units can simulate vibrato mechanically or digitally, often with precise control over speed and depth.

Uses of Vibrato:

• Expressiveness: Vibrato conveys emotion, adding depth and character to a note.
• Sustain: It enhances sustained notes, making them more dynamic and less static.
• Stylistic Identity: Vibrato is a hallmark of many musical styles, from the operatic warmth of classical singing to the subtle tremors in blues and jazz.

Examples:

• In classical music, vibrato is an essential technique for both singers and instrumentalists, as heard in operatic arias.
• Guitarists like Jimi Hendrix used vibrato extensively, either manually or through devices like the vibrato arm (whammy bar).

Vibrato is a versatile tool, blending technical skill with artistic expression, making it a cornerstone of musical performance across genres.

Virtuoso

A virtuoso is a musician known for their exceptional technical skill, artistry, and mastery of their instrument or voice. The term is often associated with performers whose abilities exceed standard expectations, allowing them to execute complex techniques, innovate stylistically, and captivate audiences with their performances.

Characteristics of a Virtuoso:

• Technical Mastery: A virtuoso demonstrates flawless control over their instrument or voice, performing with precision and ease.
• Artistic Expression: Beyond technical skill, virtuosos infuse their performances with emotional depth and unique interpretation.
• Innovation: Many virtuosos push the boundaries of their craft, introducing new techniques or redefining the possibilities of their instrument.

Historical Context:

• The term virtuoso originates from the Latin word virtuosus, meaning “skilled” or “exemplary.”
• In classical music, virtuosos like Niccolò Paganini (violin) and Franz Liszt (piano) became icons of the 19th century, known for their dazzling performances and groundbreaking compositions.
• Today, virtuosity is celebrated across genres, from classical to jazz, rock, and even electronic music.

Examples of Virtuosos:

• Classical Music: Pianist Lang Lang, violinist Itzhak Perlman, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
• Jazz: Saxophonist Charlie Parker and bassist Jaco Pastorius.
• Rock and Blues: Guitarists Jimi Hendrix and Steve Vai.
• Pop and Contemporary: Vocalists like Freddie Mercury and Whitney Houston for their extraordinary vocal control and range.

Virtuoso vs. Skilled Musician:

While all virtuosos are skilled musicians, not all skilled musicians are virtuosos. Virtuosity implies a level of mastery that combines technical prowess, artistry, and often an innovative or groundbreaking approach to music.

A virtuoso transcends technical skill to inspire awe, redefine standards, and leave an enduring mark on their craft.

Vocal Range

Vocal range refers to the span of pitches a singer can comfortably produce, from their lowest to their highest notes. It is a fundamental aspect of a vocalist’s identity, influencing the types of songs and styles they can perform effectively. A singer’s vocal range is measured in octaves, tones, and semitones.

Components of Vocal Range:

1. Lowest Note: The deepest pitch a singer can sustain with clarity.
2. Highest Note: The highest pitch a singer can reach without straining or breaking.
3. Tessitura: The part of the range where a singer’s voice sounds the most natural and comfortable.

Vocal Range Classifications:

In classical and traditional music, vocal ranges are categorized by type:

• Female Voice Types:
  • Soprano: The highest female range.
  • Mezzo-Soprano: A medium range with a warm timbre.
  • Contralto: The lowest female range, often rich and deep.
• Male Voice Types:
  • Tenor: The highest male range.
  • Baritone: A medium male range, versatile across genres.
  • Bass: The lowest male range, resonant and powerful.

In modern music, these classifications are less rigid, with singers often blending ranges to suit their style.

Examples of Vocal Ranges:

• Freddie Mercury: Known for an extraordinary range spanning nearly four octaves.
• Mariah Carey: Famous for her five-octave range, including whistle notes.
• Johnny Cash: Revered for his deep bass-baritone voice.

Why Vocal Range Matters:

• Song Selection: A singer’s range determines what keys and songs they can perform comfortably.
• Technique: Understanding vocal range helps singers develop their voice safely and expand their capabilities.
• Artistic Identity: A singer’s range contributes to their unique sound and versatility.

Vocal range is a defining characteristic of a singer’s talent and musical potential, showcasing the remarkable diversity of the human voice.

Voicing

Voicing in music refers to the arrangement and distribution of notes within a chord or harmony. It determines how the individual pitches of a chord are placed, including which instruments or voices play or sing them, their octave positions, and their overall spacing. Voicing significantly affects the sound, texture, and emotional impact of music.

Types of Voicing:

1. Open Voicing: The notes of a chord are spread out, with larger intervals between them, creating a fuller and more spacious sound.
2. Closed Voicing: The notes are grouped closely together, often within a single octave, producing a compact and blended sound.
3. Drop Voicing: A specific note, often the second or fourth, is “dropped” an octave lower to create a unique texture, commonly used in jazz and orchestration.
4. Root Position and Inversions: Chords can be voiced with the root, third, or fifth as the lowest note, affecting the harmonic foundation.

Applications of Voicing:

• Piano and Guitar: Pianists and guitarists use voicing to decide how chords are played, shaping the dynamics and mood of a piece.
• Orchestration: Arrangers assign chord notes to different instruments to create balance and contrast. For example, brass sections often employ rich, open voicings.
• Choral Music: Choirs arrange voicing to distribute notes among soprano, alto, tenor, and bass sections for a harmonious blend.
• Jazz and Pop: Complex voicings, such as extended or altered chords, add color and sophistication to progressions.

Example of Voicing:

In C major, the chord could be voiced as:

• Closed: C-E-G (all within the same octave).
• Open: C-G-E (with wider spacing between notes).

Voicing is a creative tool that shapes how harmony is perceived, making it essential for composers, arrangers, and performers across all musical genres. Whether crafting lush orchestral arrangements or intimate acoustic songs, voicing brings chords to life.

Volt

Unit of measurement used to describe the magnitude of electro-motive force (EMF).

Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA)

VCAs’ are commonly used in audio equipment. Basically, they are amplifiers whose gain is governed by an input control voltage.

Volume

This term is used to describe the signal level of an audio signal or the intensity of the sound. Volume is usually expressed in decibels relative to a standard reference level or zero levels.

Volume Unit (VU)

A unit used for measuring the magnitude of a complex electrical signal.

VPL

Video Performance Limited (VPL) is responsible for licensing of music video usage. VPL is now run as part of PPL.

VU Meter

A volume indicator.