singing-master

The singing-master leads the choir in a practice session.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Teacher of singing: A "singing-master" is a person who instructs others in the art of singing, typically focusing on vocal technique, pitch, and performance.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Her singing-master trained her to control her breath and hit high notes with ease. (A teacher who specialized in vocal instruction.)
  • The famous opera singer studied under a strict singing-master in Vienna. (A personal instructor of singing.)

Advanced Usage

• Historical context: The term "singing-master" was commonly used in the 18th and 19th centuries to refer to a professional tutor who taught singing as a refined skill, often in private lessons or at music schools.
  • In Victorian England, a singing-master was considered essential for young ladies learning to perform in polite society. (A private vocal coach in a historical social setting.)

Variants and Related Words

• Singing (noun/adj): the act of producing musical sounds with the voice.
  • Her singing was praised for its clarity. (The activity of vocal music.)
• Master (noun): a person with comprehensive skill or authority in a field.
  • He was a master of the piano. (An expert.)
• Singing teacher (noun): a modern equivalent, referring to any instructor of singing.
  • The singing teacher corrected her posture during the lesson. (A contemporary vocal coach.)

Synonyms

• Vocal coach: a person who trains singers in voice production and performance.
• Voice teacher: an instructor who focuses on developing the singing voice.

Related Idioms

• To sing from the same hymn sheet: to agree or coordinate with others (not directly about a singing-master, but related to singing).
  • The choir's singing-master ensured everyone sang from the same hymn sheet. (Figurative: ensured unity in performance.)