Gerald Alston is an American R&B singer, a former lead singer of The Manhattans. He is known for his distinctive voice that combines velvety texture with smooth falsetto. Alston's unique vocal technique involves a mix of head and chest voice and is recognizable from the very first notes of his songs. In this article, we will explore the practical steps that will help you learn singing like Gerald Alston.

Step 1. Determine your voice type

The first thing you need to do before starting to sing like Gerald Alston is to determine your voice type. You can take the Singing Carrots vocal range test to find out your vocal range. Knowing your voice type will help you identify the keys of the songs that best suit your voice. This will help you concentrate on the vocal technique and sing as comfortably as possible.

Step 2. Learn the Alston vocal style

Gerald Alston's vocal style is characterized by a warm and velvety tone, with a smooth transition between chest and head voices. His performances are enriched by the use of falsetto and vibrato. To learn this technique, practice singing scales using the Singing Carrots Pitch Training and analyze your voice using the Singing Carrots Vocal Pitch Monitor. Use the videos listed in the resources section to practice the techniques that will help you get the right sound.

Step 3. Choose Alston's songs to showcase your technique

A significant part of learning how to sing like Gerald Alston is to identify the right songs to showcase your skills. One perfect example is The Manhattans' hit, "Shining Star" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_dWzsRzHT8) which features the smooth transitions between chest voice and a falsetto at the chorus. Also, "Am I Losing You", one of Alston's most exceptional performances, highlights the influence of his gospel roots on his music. Other notable tracks include "For the Sweetness of Your Love" and "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine".

Step 4. Practice the art of breathing

Breathing is critical when learning how to sing like Gerald Alston. Start by practicing the Farinelli breathing (https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZXNO8Be4Q6Y?start=0), which involves breathing from the diaphragm. This technique enhances your breath control and helps you achieve a smoother flow, consistent with Alston's style. Singing Carrots breathing exercises can also help you develop your breath control.

Step 5. Practice with Singing Carrots

Regular practice makes perfect, and Singing Carrots provides a range of tools to help you develop your singing skills gradually. The Vocal Pitch Monitor will help you identify areas where you need improvement. Furthermore, Pitch Training gives you personalized warm-up exercises and helps you develop your vocal range. The Singing Carrots songbook feature will provide you with all the performance resources you need, including lyrics, sheet music, and audio tracks.

In conclusion, learning how to sing like Gerald Alston requires a proper understanding of his unique vocal technique, practice with suitable songs, and continuous breathing exercises. With the right resources to guide you, you can acquire the skills to sing like this renowned R&B artist.