How to Sing to Jazz Music

Jazz musicians have long been regarded as cool. The golden days of jazz may be over, but jazz lives on in the hearts of many people. Jazz singers are often sexy with smooth voices and a talent for making their vocals blend seamlessly with the music they sing with. Follow these steps to sing jazz music properly, capture the essence of this style and keep this wonderful tradition alive.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Begin by researching a little about jazz singing and famous jazz musicians. Learn the history of jazz to help you get into the spirit of music.
2. Listen to older recordings of some of the great jazz musicians. Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Diana Krall, Nat King Cole and Tony Bennett are quite famous, to name a few. Study their style and the way they blend and fuse with the music they're singing, but never overpower it.
3. Visit a jazz club and listen to some live jazz singers. Note what you like about their style and things that you'd like to integrate into your style. Think about issues like breath control, tone and their ability to improvise.
4. Pick a song to memorize and listen to it a few times all the way through without attempting to sing with it. Pay attention to the music and then sing along with the song. Keep your voice smooth and your style true to yourself and unique.
5. Learn how to count rhythm as best you can and learn some improvisation techniques by listening to jazz greats. Know to listen to the music if you get lost especially when playing with a live band. Pay special attention to the drummer and tap your foot or something else to keep time.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn music theory, it is the best way to become acquainted with jazz music. Know the rules, so that you may later break them.
• Pay close attention to the music as it will be your guide. If you know the music well, you can learn to improvise where it would be best because you will be comfortable with the music flow.