1.
vocal music, singing (as a discipline)
Music performed by the human voice, as opposed to instrumental music. Refers to the art and academic discipline of classical singing, including opera, art songs, and choral music.
声楽を学ぶ。
To study vocal music.
大学で声楽を専攻している。
I'm majoring in vocal music at university.
声楽科を卒業した後、オペラ歌手としてデビューした。
After graduating from the vocal music department, she debuted as an opera singer.
USAGE:
Primarily associated with Western classical music tradition — opera, lieder, and choral singing. In Japanese music education, 声楽 refers specifically to the classical vocal discipline, not popular singing.
CONTRAST:
- 声楽: vocal music (classical/academic discipline)
- 器楽: instrumental music
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 声楽家: vocalist, vocal musician
- 声楽科: vocal music department
- 声楽コンクール: vocal music competition
- 声楽のレッスン: vocal music lesson