Description:
Our foundation for singing in a jazz style will be a smooth, even tone and minimal use of vibrato. To establish this feel, we’ll sing on the syllable “DOO” and challenge ourselves to primarily use straight tone. Let’s try it!
Within jazz, we have a lot of interpretive freedom. It’s encouraged and expected that you alter the melody and even improv during instrumental breaks.
Let’s practice this, one step at a time. The first element we’ll incorporate is called back phrasing, and that’s when you intentionally sing ahead of or behind the beat.
I promise, there’s no right or wrong here. Let’s try the first half of the song, and your one goal is to change up the phrasing. Begin a phrase early. Come in late. Speed up, slow down - it’s up to you! Here we go.
The next element we’ll try is altering the melody. Instead of singing it as written, we might sing [demonstrate with alteration]. Now you try, with the second half of the song. Change the melody, as much as you want! We still want it to sound good with the chords, but if you hit a note that clashes, that’s okay! This is new, and the only way to get better is to start trying.
Great job! Now: last time, the whole song - and see if you can incorporate both back phrasing and altering the melody. If you’re a jazz singer or you’re new to this but you’re feeling great, throw in some runs and have fun with it!
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.