Question

Please choose the musical or cultural aspect (e.g., Melisma or Use vs. Function) that you found most challenging to understand and then offer an explanation.

Answer 1

Melisma is the phenomenon of singing multiple notes only using one syllable in a song. This is contrary to "syllabic" singing in which every note is assigned and sung with a syllable.

The most challenging thing I find about melisma is breath control. It does restrict you if the Melissa is extended. However, the simple explanation for using Melisma is to use your breath well. In lower notes, since you need more oxygen, Melisma is usually for a shorter duration while in head voice where you can sing while sparing lesser breath, Melissma can be extended as per ones capacity.

The best example of using Melisma in modern times is Whitney Houston. Providing you the reference so that you can make observations of your own.