Singing Guide: Ray Conniff
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Ray Conniff was an American bandleader and arranger who became one of the most successful easy-listening recording artists of the 1950s and 1960s. Conniff's sound was characterized by a combination of voices and instruments, often including a wordless chorus, which created an orchestral sound similar to that of Mantovani and other popular easy-listening artists of the time. His unique approach of blending voices with instruments has made him a popular choice among singers of all levels.
To learn to sing like Ray Conniff, it is important to familiarize yourself with his style of orchestration. His sound often includes a blend of voices and instruments, so it's crucial to have a good understanding of both in order to replicate his style. Here are some tips and Singing Carrots resources that will help you achieve a similar sound:
- Vocal Registers & Vocal Break: One of the key elements of Ray Conniff's sound is the use of different vocal registers. Learning how to control your vocal registers is crucial to replicate his sound. Referencing Singing Carrot's guide to vocal registers & vocal break will help you achieve control over all types of voice registers.
- Pitch Accuracy Test: To learn to sing in a Ray Conniff style, you must have a great ear for pitch. Use Singing Carrot's pitch accuracy test to hone your pitch and work on your ability to hit the right notes every time.
- Vocal Range Test: Ray Conniff's unique orchestration includes vocal arrangements that require singers to have a broad vocal range. Use Singing Carrot's vocal range test to determine your vocal range and work to expand it so you can perform his songs with ease.
- Song Search: Ray Conniff was known for his unique orchestration of classic songs. Use Singing Carrot's song search feature to find songs that are within your vocal range and style preference, and practice singing them with his unique orchestration.
- How to Learn a Song Effectively: Once you've found a Ray Conniff song that you want to sing, it's important to learn it effectively. Referencing Singing Carrot's guide to how to learn a song effectively will provide you with the necessary tools to break down and practice his complex orchestration successfully.
- Power of Active Breathing: Ray Conniff created a unique sound by blending voices with instruments. To effectively mimic his sound, you'll need to give equal attention to both your vocals and your breath. Use Singing Carrot's article focused on breathing basics to carry out active breathing which will effectively generate more force in your vocals.
By utilizing the tips and resources provided, you will be well on your way to singing like Ray Conniff. With practice and dedication, you can learn to capture the elegance and timeless sound of one of the greatest easy-listening artists of all time.