One of the great ways to perfect your voice is by studying singers who have what you want. So let's say you want a smooth, pure, precise voice, with a rich, velvety timbre. The American musician Mel Tormé (1925 - 1999) had those qualities, and whether you're female or male, you can learn them from him. Mel's Default Sound Although his voice was adaptable and he could produce any type of sound he wanted - he had that much control - his default sound was smooth, mellow, and rich. Rather than going after your genre's sound right away, it makes more sense to develop a velvet voice that's completely under your control - and then branch out to whatever timbre your venue calls for. Why? Because a rich, controlled, supported voice is a healthy voice. And Mel Tormé sang for almost the entire 20th century! How to Get a Velvet Voice Legend has it that Mel vocalized every day, no matter what. He'd make sure he covered his entire range, and he'd always push himself to learn more. His extraordinary, clever, and often hot orchestral arrangements that often accompanied him, were his own creations. He was the accomplished composer of over 250 songs, many of which are now jazz standards. He wrote books, appeared in films, and even flew planes. The Rusty Trombones for the Homeless is a Chicago-based foundation that Mr. Tormé created in 1992. But back to Mel Tormé's voice. The man sang impeccably pitch perfect. Yes, he had a natural talent, but he also worked on it. He studied a lot and practiced all the time. He had a fluidity to his voice that allowed him to sing complicated phrases and make huge interval jumps - and make it all sound effortless. He could add different vocal elements to his voice, if he chose, for effect. He could sing straight pop, he could scat like nobody's business, he could be funny, he could make you cry. Mel worked it. He loved it, but he also worked it. That's something you have in common with Mel. You can certainly work it too. There's no secret to voice study. |
