Singing Guide: Kirk Franklin

Singing Guide: Kirk Franklin

Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources

Are you a beginner or advanced singer?

Kirk Franklin is an American gospel musician, choir director and author. He is known for incorporating various musical styles into gospel, from R&B and hip-hop to classical and pop.

If you want to learn to sing like Kirk Franklin, here are some tips that can help you get started:

1. Study his unique style

Kirk Franklin is known for his unique gospel hip-hop and R&B style, which includes a lot of percussive syllables, syncopated rhythms, and a rhythmic flow. Listen to his music carefully and study the way he sings. Notice how he uses intonation, phrasing, and expression to convey the meaning of his lyrics.

2. Practice breathing and vocal techniques

Breathing and vocal techniques are essential for any singer, but they are especially important if you want to learn to sing like Kirk Franklin. He uses a lot of percussive syllables and gospel vocal runs, so you need to develop good breath support and control to achieve this style.

Some relevant articles to help you with your technique:

3. Find your own style and expression

When you learn to sing like Kirk Franklin, it's important to develop your own style and expression. Listen to some of his music that you particularly enjoy then make it your own. Sing it in different ways, experiment with different rhythms and try to add your own special touch to it.

4. Get feedback on your singing

Getting feedback on your singing is important to help you identify areas where you need to improve. Singing Carrots offers a Voice Range Test that will identify your vocal range and help you compare it to other singers, including Kirk Franklin! The Pitch Accuracy Test can help you determine your accuracy and the Vocal Pitch Monitor will allow you to see your sung notes on a virtual piano. Progress Monitoring Statistics and the educational Singing Course are resources you should also check out if you're serious about improving your ability.

5. Keep practicing consistently

The most important thing to keep in mind when learning to sing like Kirk Franklin is to practice consistently. Dedicate enough practice time to honing your voice and keep at it until you get it right. With patience and determination, you can achieve your goals.

Now that you know some tips for learning to sing like Kirk Franklin, here are some of his unique songs that showcase his vocal technique:

  • Stomp
  • Why We Sing
  • Hosanna
  • Declaration (This is it)
  • I Smile

Keep practicing and you too can learn to sing like Kirk Franklin!

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