a cappella

/ˈɑ kəˌpɛlə/

If your singing group doesn't use any instruments or recorded music, you can describe it as a cappella. A cappella music features only voices.

Some a cappella groups include many singers making the sounds of percussion and other instruments with just their voices, but you can also describe the singing you do in the shower as a cappella. The word comes from the Italian phrase alla capella, "in the manner of the chapel," or "according to the chapel." In other words, a cappella music follows the oldest church traditions of unaccompanied vocal music.

Definitions of a cappella

1. adverb

   without musical accompaniment
   “they performed a cappella”
2. adjective

   sung without instrumental accompaniment
   “they sang an a cappella Mass”

   synonyms:

   unaccompanied

   playing or singing without accompaniment