How to Sing a Torch Song

Sentimental love ballads popularized in the 1940s and 1950s are often referred to as torch songs. Characterized by lyrics about lost or unrequited love and dramatic vocal flourishes, torch songs rule the stage at cabarets and classy nightclubs. Artists like Billie Holiday and Nat "King" Cole sang torch song standards during the genre's heyday, but now many pop artists are performing torch songs. Read on to learn how to sing a torch song.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Exercise your voice. Torch songs require a strong singing voice that projects well. You need to hold and slur notes. Unlike popular pop and rock songs, torch songs frequently follow a slow, steady pace and build to a crescendo. Practice your scales and other voice exercises daily.

2. Control your breath. Torch song phrasing can be difficult, so study proper breathing technique. Your stomach should move out when you take a breath, and move in when you exhale. This will add power to your voice when you sing a phrase and keep you on pitch.

3. Be a drama queen. Torch songs require emotional phrasing, but pace yourself and build up to an emotional plot point in the lyrics.

4. Study the greats. Listen to phrasing by torch singers like Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, Sarah Vaughn, Judy Garland and Peggy Lee. Learn from them, but don't imitate. You need to develop your own style.

5. Build a repertoire. Choose from hundreds of great songs contained in sheet music collections and try different songs with your vocal teacher or pianist. With practice and trial and error, you will discover the best torch songs for your voice.