Learning to Sing “Summertime”
“Summertime” is a classic jazz standard that demands excellent control over your vocal characteristics. One key aspect to focus on is the song’s sultry mood and style, which requires breath control, effective articulation, and vocal timbre management.
Vocal Technique: Breathy Voice
The primary vocal technique used in “Summertime” is the breathy voice. It’s characterized by partial vocal fold closure which allows more air to pass through, producing a warm, intimate sound. This technique is also used in songs like “I Just Want To Make Love To You” by Etta James, and Billie Holiday’s “Blue Moon”.
Steps to Learn “Summertime”
- Understand Your Voice: Assess if you have the right vocal range for this song by using the Vocal Range Test. You can also compare your range against the original singer with the Vocal ranges of famous singers.
- Focus on Breathy Voice Technique: Practise this technique properly by mastering your breath control. Find advice on Breath Support and Breathing Basics.
- Articulation: Jazz is about not only the notes but also how they’re articulated. Brush up on your Articulation skills to nail those sultry jazz registers.
- Embody the Mood: “Summertime” is as much about the feel of the song as it is about the melody. Read singing with intuition, skills, emotion, and thinking to help you internalize the song’s mood.
- Practise Regularly: Make use of Pitch Training tools, and check your progress with the Pitch Accuracy Test
- Perform It: Once you feel confident, perform the song and assess your performance using the Vocal Pitch Monitor. Don’t forget to review how to overcome stage fright and performance tips.
Ensure that you maintain your vocal health by following the tips in Vocal Health. Happy singing!