Singing Guide: Tom Lehrer
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Tom Lehrer is an American singer-songwriter, satirist, and mathematician. With his sharp wit and clever wordplay, Lehrer has inspired generations of comedy musicians. In this article, we'll explore how to learn to sing like Tom Lehrer, focusing on his unique vocal technique and some of his most iconic songs.
Lehrer's unique vocal style can be characterized by his precise diction and a deadpan delivery. He often used exaggerated pronunciation and pauses in his singing to create a humorous effect. To learn to sing like Lehrer, it's important to focus on your enunciation, highlighting the humor inherent within the lyrics, and maintaining a straight face. For more tips on enunciation, check out Singing Carrots' article on articulation.
One of Lehrer's most famous songs is "The Elements." In the song, Lehrer sings the names of all the chemical elements in the periodic table to the tune of Gilbert and Sullivan's "I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General." To sing this song effectively, it's important to focus on memorization and breath control. Singing Carrots' breathing basics and breath support articles can be excellent resources for mastering these skills. Additionally, Singing Carrots' vocal range test can help you discover your range and find songs that fit your vocal abilities.
Another song that highlights Lehrer's unique singing style is "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park." Lehrer's deadpan delivery and exaggerated pronunciation create a delightfully absurd effect. To sing this song like Lehrer, try imitating his diction and phrasing. Focus on creating a contrast between the dark subject matter and playful delivery. Singing Carrots' pitch accuracy test and vocal pitch monitor can help you refine your pitch, giving you greater control over your delivery.
In addition to his distinctive vocal style, Lehrer was known for his clever and often acerbic lyrics. To fully capture the spirit of Lehrer's music, it's important to focus on the humor within the lyrics and the underlying social commentary. Singing Carrots' song learning article provides tips on memorizing lyrics and incorporating emotion into your performance.
In conclusion, to learn to sing like Tom Lehrer, it's important to focus on precise diction, playing with enunciation, and maintaining a straight face while delivering humorous lyrics. Incorporating Singing Carrots' resources, such as the vocal range test, pitch accuracy test, and song learning article, can help you refine your skills and create a memorable performance. Happy singing!