Nikki Yanofsky is a young Canadian singer, songwriter, and composer. Best known for her jazz-influenced covers and originals, Nikki has been performing since the age of 10 and became an international sensation when she sang the Canadian national anthem at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver in 2010. Her debut album, "Nikki," released that same year, earned her critical acclaim and several awards nominations. In this article, we will explore Nikki's unique vocal technique, some of her most iconic performances, and provide practical advice and resources to help you learn singing like Nikki Yanofsky.

Nikki Yanofsky's Unique Vocal Technique

Nikki's singing style is heavily influenced by jazz, blues, and soul. Her voice is powerful and emotive, marked by a rich, warm tone and impressive range. One of the most distinctive aspects of her vocal technique is her use of scat singing. Scat singing is a form of vocal improvisation used in jazz music, in which the singer produces rhythm and melody using nonsense syllables instead of lyrics. Nikki's scatting is energetic and playful, and showcases her impressive vocal control and range.

Another characteristic of Nikki's singing is her use of dynamic contrast. She has the ability to move seamlessly between quiet, intimate singing and powerful, belted notes, creating an engaging and dynamic performance. This is particularly evident in her live performances, where she often improvises and adds unexpected twists to her songs.

Nikki Yanofsky's Iconic Performances

Here are some of Nikki Yanofsky's most iconic performances, showcasing her unique vocal style:

• Her rendition of Ella Fitzgerald's "Airmail Special" at the Montreal International Jazz Festival in 2006, when she was just 12 years old, earned her a standing ovation and helped launch her career.
• At the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Nikki delivered a powerful rendition of the Canadian national anthem, showing off her impressive range and control.
• Her performance of the Gershwin classic "I Got Rhythm" at the 2010 Montreal Jazz Festival showcased her scatting skills and energetic stage presence.
• In 2018, Nikki released a cover of the Beatles' "Blackbird" which showcased her ability to deliver a sensitive and emotive vocal performance.

Practical Advice and Singing Carrots Resources

If you want to learn how to sing like Nikki Yanofsky, here are some practical tips and resources to get you started:

• Improve your improvisation skills with Singing Carrots' Pitch Training game, which includes exercises for melody and rhythm recognition, pitch accuracy, and ear training.
• Learn about breathing techniques and vocal registers from articles like Breathing Basics and Voice Registers & Vocal Break.
• If you're interested in scat singing, check out the "Heavy Modal," "Twang," and "Belting" vocal techniques articles for inspiration.
• To improve your dynamic control, start with the Breath Support article and video exercises like Soft Palate and Sustain Vocal.
• To get better at performing on stage, read Tips for Performing on Stage and try exercises like Relaxing Breath and Good Singing Posture.

By incorporating these resources into your singing practice and focusing on Nikki's unique vocal style, you can improve your singing skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the art of jazz singing.