Singing Guide: Casablanca
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
If you're a fan of jazz and swing music, then you're surely familiar with one of the most iconic singers of the genre: Frank Sinatra. Known for his smooth, crooning voice and his suave demeanor, Sinatra is a legend in the music industry. If you want to learn how to sing like Ol' Blue Eyes himself, there are a number of techniques and tips you can use to hone your skills.
One of the most important things when emulating Sinatra's style is to cultivate a smooth, seamless vocal delivery. This means practicing your breath control and mastering the art of legato singing. Sinatra was known for his ability to float effortlessly from note to note, creating an almost hypnotic effect. To achieve this, you should focus on diaphragmatic breathing exercises and pay close attention to your phrasing and pacing.
Another important aspect of Sinatra's singing style is his use of vibrato. Vibrato is a natural oscillation of the voice, created by slight variations in pitch and volume. Sinatra used vibrato sparingly, but effectively, to add warmth and depth to his performances. To develop your own vibrato, try practicing sustained notes at a moderate volume, gradually adding in a subtle wobble to your voice.
Finally, to truly capture the essence of Frank Sinatra, you need to learn some of his classic songs. Hits like "Fly Me to the Moon," "My Way," and "New York, New York" showcase Sinatra's unique vocal style and offer ample opportunities to practice your legato singing and vibrato.
To help you on your journey to singing like Frank Sinatra, Singing Carrots offers a number of resources. Use our vocal range test to determine your range and find songs that are suited to your voice. Our pitch accuracy test can help you refine your pitch and work on your vibrato. And our pitch training exercises are the perfect way to practice your breath control, phrasing, and legato singing.
Check out our singing course for even more tips and tricks on improving your vocal performance. And be sure to take advantage of our songbook feature, where you can find lyrics, chords, and sheet music for all your favorite Sinatra tunes. With patience, dedication, and some help from Singing Carrots, you'll be crooning like Ol' Blue Eyes in no time!