Singing Guide: Innocents of Paris

Singing Guide: Innocents of Paris

Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources

Are you a beginner or advanced singer?

For those who want to learn how to sing like Maurice Chevalier, we've got you covered. With his warm and sophisticated voice, unique phrasing, and joyful spirit, he brought French chanson to a worldwide audience. His songs, including "Mimi", "Valentine", and "Louise", are not only beloved classics but also great examples of his style.

To sing like Chevalier, one should focus on the following aspects:

  • Phrasing: Chevalier's singing style was characterized by his clear and distinct phrasing, marked by short phrases and a perfect sense of timing. To achieve this, it's essential to work on your breathing technique, vowel shaping, and diction. You can find some useful exercises for breath support, articulation, and resonance in the Singing Carrots blog and the vocal skills videos.
  • Rhythm: Chevalier's songs have a specific rhythm influenced by the French waltz. Pay attention to the accentuation and syncopation of the melody and incorporate them into your performance. Start with simple exercises like clapping or tapping your foot and gradually move into more complex patterns.
  • Vocal Color: Chevalier's voice had a beautiful light tone, perfect for his repertoire. He frequently used specific vocal effects like vibrato, falsetto, and glottal stops that added character to his singing. Practice these techniques with the Singing Carrots vocal training tools and exercise videos and try to incorporate them into your repertoire.
  • Attitude: Chevalier had a playful and charming attitude that made his audiences fall in love with him. To achieve this, try to convey joy and lightness in your performance. Use your face, hands, and body language to communicate the meaning of the song and engage with the audience.

Finally, remember that singing is not just about technique. It's also about expression, feeling, and interpretation. Listen to Chevalier's songs, study his recordings and performances, and try to understand his unique approach to music. A singing course could also be useful for understanding music theory and developing your musicality.

And there you have it! With a bit of practice, determination, and the right tools and resources, you too can sing like Maurice Chevalier. Enjoy the process, keep learning, and have fun!

Learn more about this artist vocal range, voice type and repertoire.