Most singing involves shaping the mouth to form words, but types of mouth music which use open sounds or nonsense syllables ("vocables") also exist, for instance scat singing or yodeling. Solfege assigns certain syllables to notes in the scale.

Singing can be heard in many different places, since anyone who can speak can sing. It can be informal and just for pleasure (for example in the shower), or very formal, such as singing done professionally in a performance or in a recording studio.

Singing is often done in a group, such as a choir, and may be accompanied by musical instruments, a full orchestra, or a band.

Singing with no instrumental accompaniment is called a capella. However, the Choral Journal and other vocal-related publications actively discouage the use of this term and prefer the word "unaccompanied".

Show choir is a combination of singing and dancing. Many schools and colleges offer show choir groups for students to participate in. Not only must participants be able to sing well and blend with a group, but they must be able to dance at the same time. This requires endurance, flexibility, and strong vocals, which can all be acquired through practice.