Singing Guide: David Kauffman
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
David Kauffman is a singer-songwriter and composer born in 1964 in Indiana. He started playing music in High School and later went to study music at Indiana University. Influenced by Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, and Jackson Browne, David developed a distinctive folk-pop sound with melancholic, introspective, and poetic lyrics. Although he is not widely known or commercially successful, his music has been critically acclaimed and praised for its emotional depth, sincerity, and musical sophistication.
If you're interested in learning singing like David Kauffman, here is a step-by-step guide to improve your singing skills and get closer to his style.
Vocal technique
David's vocal style can be characterized by his warm, mellow, and smooth voice, which blends seamlessly with his acoustic guitar playing. He often uses a mix of head voice and falsetto to achieve a soft and airy tone, especially in his higher range. To sing like David, you need to develop a similar vocal technique, which emphasizes breath control, resonance, and articulation. Here are some Singing Carrots resources that can help you with this:
- Breathing basics: learn how to breathe correctly and use the diaphragm for better support and control.
- Voice registers & vocal break: understand the concepts of chest voice, head voice, and falsetto, and how to transition smoothly between them.
- Resonance in singing: master the art of vocal resonance, which helps you to project your voice and create a fuller sound.
- Articulation: improve your diction and clarity by practicing proper articulation and vowel placement.
Song examples
David's songs are known for their poignant lyrics, intricate melodies, and rich harmonies. His music combines elements of folk, pop, and jazz, with a strong focus on storytelling and emotional expression. Here are some of his most acclaimed songs that represent his vocal style and songwriting skills:
- "Transcendental Hotel": a haunting ballad with soft guitar arpeggios, gentle vocal delivery, and evocative imagery.
- "Life without Love": a somber tune with a bittersweet melody, introspective lyrics, and a delicate falsetto chorus.
- "No Regrets": a romantic ode with a catchy hook, lush harmonies, and a lovely falsetto bridge.
To learn these songs and practice singing like David, you can search for them on Singing Carrots' song search tool, which allows you to filter songs by vocal range, genre, and difficulty level. You can also use Vocal Pitch Monitor to see your sung notes on a virtual piano and check your pitch accuracy.
Conclusion
Learning to sing like David Kauffman requires a lot of practice, patience, and dedication. By following the vocal techniques and song examples outlined above, you can improve your singing skills and develop your own unique style. Remember to use the Singing Carrots resources mentioned in this article and to keep practicing consistently to achieve your singing goals. Good luck!