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Jazz Voice Lessons

Jazz singing differs from many other singing style in that it relies less on technique and training and more on natural vocal sounds and emotional expression. This doesn't mean that classes in jazz voice are not beneficial, however; many jazz voice classes are well worth the time. In order to fully develop your jazz singing voice, a variety of exercises, lessons, and instructional strategies can be gleaned from a good teacher.

  1. What to Look For

    • Look for private teachers with extensive backgrounds in jazz music. The best teachers are those who have combined experience as professional singers and years of teaching experience. Most jazz voice teachers, especially those who have performed, will have music samples that you can listen to. Listen to a variety of teachers before deciding on the one for you, as jazz singing is highly personal and individual and not as technical as classical singing. Choose a teacher you resonate with, and who expresses herself in a way that you connect with.

    What to Expect

    • Jazz voice lessons are usually an hour or two long and take place in a studio or private home. Expect to learn a variety of exercises to help you expand your natural speaking voice into a singing voice. Exercises help you develop your different natural tonal qualities, from the base ones in your chest to the high ones in your head, and help you to build ¨bridges¨ between them. Eventually you will find the key that you sing in, which you will need later if you perform with live musicians. You will begin to practice standards at home in your key. The final outcome of good jazz voice classes is that you will be able to sing a variety of jazz standards on tune in your key, and improvise them with you own vocal fluctuations and flourish.

    Tools That Help

    • When taking jazz voice lessons, there are several things you should purchase. Buy a songbook full of classic jazz standards in the Real Book format, which means that songs are written in melody with chord symbols accompanying them. Buy a microphone and practice at home with it. Many jazz vocal effects were developed in conjunction with the microphone, like whispering and breathing while singing.

    Practicing On Your Own

    • When taking jazz voice classes, it is essential to practice at home daily in order to strengthen your vocal muscles and develop your voice. Ear training is also essential, and listening to jazz music, even if just in the background while performing daily chores, also strengthens your musical ear. Devote a portion of each day to vocal training and listening to jazz music.

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