Singing Guide: No No Nanette
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
If you want to sing like the iconic jazz singer and movie star, Doris Day, then you should focus on developing a sweet and delicate vocal tone with a light and whimsical style. To sing like Day, I recommend the following tips:
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Work on your breath control: Day's singing style is characterized by her effortless and airy vocal tone. To achieve this, you should practice deep breathing exercises, using your diaphragm to support your notes, and focus on producing light, even breaths that will help you achieve the relaxed and sweet vocal tone that Day is known for.
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Practice your phrasing: Day's singing style is characterized by her impeccable phrasing, which emphasizes the melodic and rhythmic elements of a song. To develop your phrasing skills, you should take the time to study the lyrics and melody of your songs, paying close attention to the natural ebb and flow of the melody, as well as the accents and rhythms of the words. Practice singing along with recordings of Day's classic songs, such as "Tea for Two" or "It's a Great Day for the Irish," and focus on matching her phrasing and rhythm.
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Explore your vocal range: Although Day was known for her whimsical and light-hearted singing style, she also had a surprisingly wide vocal range. To achieve Day's vocal range, you should practice vocal exercises that will help you expand your range, such as the singing carrots' vocal range test, which can help you determine where your strengths lie and how to expand your vocal repertoire. Additionally, you should practice warm-up exercises that will help you develop flexibility and strength in your voice, such as the Farinelli Breathing exercise and the 3-Minute Warm-up.
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Focus on articulation and resonance: Day's singing style is noted for its clear and vibrant articulation, as well as its resonant and bright timbre. To achieve her style of singing, you should practice articulating your words clearly and with precision, paying close attention to the positioning of your tongue and lips as you sing. Additionally, you should work on developing good resonance in your voice, using vocal warm-ups and exercises to help you find your optimal placement and to develop a bright and resonant sound.
If you're interested in singing like Day, then Singing Carrots offers a wide range of resources that can help you achieve your goals. Start by taking the vocal range test and pitch accuracy test to assess your skills, and then explore the various exercises and tips offered on the site, including breathing basics, vocal registers and breaks, breath support, and resonance in singing. You can also search for songs that match your vocal range, difficulty, and genre preference, and explore the vocal ranges of over 5000 famous singers, including Day. Finally, if you're looking to take your singing to the next level, check out the singing course, which offers a comprehensive 21-lesson program covering singing theory and practical tips for beginners.