How to Become a Yodeler

Yodeling is something that one associates with the Ricola commercials. It is a style of singing which involves switching the registers of the voice rapidly from head voice to chest voice (or falsetto and natural voice). Though most people associate it with the Alps, it is a style of singing that can be heard in Country and Western music as well as African and Persian cultures. Read this eHow to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Decide what style of yodeling you wish to do. There are several styles to choose from--Country and Western, "classic" Country Western, Alpine, Hawaiian, Indian and more.

2. Listen to examples of each style. For Country and Western styles, listen to Randy Erwin, Janet McBride, Margo Smith and more. For Classic Country and Western, listen to DeZurik Sisters, Elton Britt and other such artists. For Alpine, listen to Franzl Lang, Adi, or the Wild Rose Alpine Club. For the other styles, listen to Annette Hanshaw, Gordon Freitas and more.

3. Experiment with each style of yodeling, until you find one that suits you best.

4. Practice until you have the basics of yodeling down, and are proficient. You are unlikely to be able to find a teacher near you, so listen to recordings and keep practicing.

5. Add your own twist to your yodeling, like the singer Christine Lauterberg, who adds techno to her yodeling.

6. Compete in yodeling contests. Famous ones are the Germanfest, or the Western Music Festival.

Resources

• Virginia Tech has a good definition of yodeling with video example.
• Western Music has an annual festival.