Singing Guide: Marc Cohn
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Marc Cohn is an American singer-songwriter known for his soulful and emotive vocals, as well as his poignant lyrics. Learning to sing like him involves understanding his unique vocal style and incorporating similar techniques into your own singing.
One of the key elements of Marc Cohn's vocal style is his use of dynamics. He often starts a song in a more subdued manner, gradually building up the intensity as the song progresses. To achieve this effect, it's essential to master your breath control and volume modulation. Singing exercises that can help with this include the Farinelli breathing exercise and the sustain vocal exercise.
Another essential aspect of Marc Cohn's singing is his use of vibrato. Vibrato is the slight oscillation of pitch that adds richness and depth to a voice. In Marc Cohn's case, it is used to add emotion and soulfulness to his singing. To develop vibrato in your voice, try the Beggar's Bounce and Diaphragm Bounce exercises.
Marc Cohn also often sings with a mix of head and chest voice, creating a unique and powerful vocal timbre. To practice this technique, use the Singing Comfort Zone and Voice Break exercises to help find and transition between the two vocal registers.
When it comes to song selection, Marc Cohn has released several hits, including Walking In Memphis, which showcases his powerful singing and emotional delivery. Other notable songs include True Companion and the Gospel-infused Mama's In The Moon. Singing along to these tracks can help developing and fine-tuning your own singing style.
Finally, to take your singing to the next level, it's worth considering Singing Carrots' vocal training resources. The Pitch Training module offers vocal warm-ups, exercises for pitch accuracy, and visualizers to help with range and agility. Additionally, the 21-lesson Singing Course covers singing theory and practical tips for beginners. These resources, combined with the insights gained by studying Marc Cohn's vocal style, can help you achieve your full potential as a singer.