What is "a cappella"?  Something to eat?  Karaoke?  A dog's name?  No, "a cappella" is singing without the accompaniment of a musical instrument, the most natural form of musical expression.  Some say that the human voice is the most beautiful musical instrument bestowed to mankind by God.  "A cappella" is the compilation of human voices, regardless of gender, into beautiful music.
But, where did a cappella come from?

The earliest a cappella originated from the religious music of Medieval Europe, when all church music comprised of only human voices with no instrumental accompaniment, so as to be closer to God.  With the rapid development of Western musical instruments, a cappella music was gradually forgotten.  However, the recent trend of returning to spirituality through music gave a cappella music renewed popularity, with modern musical style elements injected.  Early American Black music included barbershop quartet, which is representative of early a cappella music in the U.S.  Today, a cappella music can be found in dance music and even in heavy metal.  It's everywhere.  With time, the new wave of a cappella has been spreading from the U.S. and Europe to all over the world.

In recent years, with the addition of voice-emulated percussion and the development of different styles, a cappella spans from classical music to pop songs.  More and more noted a cappella groups emerged.  These groups can be all male, all female, or mixed.  A typical mixed a cappella groups has soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, and bass.  The percussion sounds like boom box.  Many musical Instruments are emulated in a cappella performances, such as drum, base, guitar, cello, trumpet, even Chinese instruments like Er Hu, Chinese harp, Chinese flute, and Pipa, all with the human voice.

Is there a cappella music in China?  Of course.  A cappella groups can be found in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Taiwan and other areas.  As of the end of 2012, there were estimated over fifty a cappella groups in China, giving performances, competing, and participating in music festivals.  Through small concerts, weekend salons, and workshops, many a cappella groups have developed a substantial following.  By now you have a fairly good understanding of the art form called a cappella.  Look around, and you may find a cappella music in your own neighborhood.  Why don't you join us and experience the magic!

A cappella is of Italian extraction.  It is choral music comprised of only human voices, without the accompaniment of any musical instrument.