How to Learn Singing “It Was a Very Good Year” from Frank Sinatra

How to Learn Singing “It Was a Very Good Year” by Frank Sinatra

Learning to sing a particular song requires practice, technique, and an understanding of the unique vocal aspects of the song. In this article, we will explore how to learn “It Was a Very Good Year” by Frank Sinatra, a timeless classic that showcases Sinatra’s legendary vocal style.

The Unique Vocal Technique

“It Was a Very Good Year” is known for Sinatra’s smooth and emotive vocal delivery. One of the unique vocal techniques used in this song is phrasing. Pay attention to the way Sinatra shapes each phrase, emphasizing certain words and creating a sense of storytelling. This adds depth and emotion to the song.

Other Songs with Similar Vocal Technique: Sinatra’s phrasing technique can be heard in many of his other popular songs such as “Fly Me to the Moon,” “My Way,” and “Strangers in the Night.”

Practical Advice to Learn the Song

Here are some practical steps to help you learn “It Was a Very Good Year” and master Sinatra’s vocal technique:

  1. Analyze Your Voice: Before you start practicing the song, it’s important to analyze your own voice. Take Singing Carrots’ vocal range test to determine your vocal range and identify any areas that may need improvement.
  2. Study Voice Types: Understanding your voice type can help you sing the song more effectively. Read Singing Carrots’ article on voice types to learn more about the different classifications and find out which one suits your voice best.
  3. Master Breathing Basics: Proper breathing technique is essential for singing any song. Singing Carrots’ article on breathing basics provides helpful tips and exercises to improve your breath control.
  4. Work on Voice Registers: “It Was a Very Good Year” requires a smooth transition between different voice registers. Learn about voice registers and vocal breaks in Singing Carrots’ article voice registers & vocal break and practice exercises to develop a seamless transition.
  5. Focus on Phrasing: As mentioned earlier, phrasing is crucial in capturing the essence of the song. Singing Carrots’ article on how to learn a song effectively offers valuable insights on how to interpret and deliver the lyrics with the right phrasing.

Utilize Singing Carrots Resources

Singing Carrots provides a range of resources that can enhance your learning process:

  • Vocal Pitch Monitor: Use Singing Carrots’ Vocal Pitch Monitor to visualize your sung notes on a virtual piano. This can help you stay on pitch while practicing “It Was a Very Good Year.”
  • Pitch Training: Explore Singing Carrots’ Pitch Training section, which offers interactive vocal warm-ups, pitch visualizer, and exercises for range and agility. These exercises can strengthen your overall vocal technique and control.
  • Search for Songs: Use Singing Carrots’ song search feature to find songs that match your vocal range, difficulty level, and genre preference. This can help you discover similar songs to “It Was a Very Good Year” for further practice.
  • Artist Vocal Ranges: Explore Singing Carrots’ vocal ranges of famous singers to gain inspiration and insights into the vocal techniques used by other artists.