Description:
Before we stylize, we want to find our most beautiful, natural tone. That’s why I often advise my students to get rid of the lyrics and sing through the melody on a relaxed syllable like YAH, MUH, or something similar. We’re using “Auld Lang Syne” to practice together, but you can follow these steps with any song you’re working on.
First off, let’s review the melody with lyrics - or learn it, if it happens to be new to you! I’m playing this in the key of Eb, so that higher voices can sing with me, and lower voices are down the octave.
Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind
Should old acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne
We’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne
In case you were wondering too, “auld lang syne” is Lowland Scots and directly translates to “old long since”, or “for the sake of old times”. The song is based on a poem by Scottish poet Robert Burns, and it’s often sung in English-speaking countries at New Year’s, sometimes at funerals, graduations, or other gatherings as a farewell.
So let’s first drop the lyrics and sing on the syllable MUH. This will help us to relax our jaw, lift our soft palate, and easily navigate between registers! Let your vibrato ring freely; don’t restrain it.
So now, we’ve established the basics: an open, relaxed tone, and free vibrato. Let’s add the lyrics back in, but keep thinking “MUH” - relaxing your jaw, and maintaining just as much space in your mouth.
Now, it’s time to make it our own! Because we’re going for a classic, traditional style in this video, we won’t add runs and other embellishments like we will for pop and jazz. Our personality can shine through in our interpretation. That means: adding dynamic variety, being intentional with our phrasing and inflection, and singing with an emotional connection to the lyrics.
I’ll demonstrate how this might sound on one line. First, singing straight, with no interpretation. Now, with a sense of phrasing, inflection, and dynamics.
Now, I’ll just play the chords so you can practice! If this is new to you, try focusing on one element at a time, and repeat as many times as you like!
Lessons:
- 1: Intro
- 2: Warmup
- 3: Part 1: Classic
- 4: Part 2: Pop / R&B
- 5: Part 3: Jazz
- 6: Conclusion
Instructor: Camille van Niekerk
Camille van Niekerk is a singer, writer and vocal instructor in Southern California. Camille began studying voice and performing in musicals at age seven. In 2010, Camille began working towards her BA in Music Education at Azusa Pacific University. She then earned her teaching credential from San Diego State University and taught classroom choral and instrumental music. Shortly after moving to LA county, Camille began her private vocal studio, providing vocal coaching, ear training, and recording for students of all ages. She is constantly refining her skills and methods for greater versatility and effectiveness. When she is not teaching, Camille enjoys singing with the L.A. Choral Lab and Ensoma Creative. She lives in San Diego with her husband and loves going to the beach, practicing yoga, reading, and cooking.