Sing Jazz for beginners from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

You will understand the essentials of a jazzy sound and swinging timing
You'll get tools how to sing basic variations to the melody
You'll understand how to start developing your own style

You'll get a repertoire list of the basic jazz repertoire
What will you not learn: how to scat, how to improvise. for that, check out my other udemy course: let's scat.
Sing jazz for beginners is a very compact course - to spark your interest in jazz singing

You will understand the essentials of a jazzy sound and swinging timing
You'll get tools how to sing basic variations to the melody
You'll understand how to start developing your own style
You'll get a repertoire list of the basic jazz repertoire
What will you not learn: how to scat, how to improvise. for that, check out my other udemy course: let's scat.
Sing jazz for beginners is a very compact course - to spark your interest in jazz singing

Syllabus

Introductie

Introduction

How to find your jazz sound

Step 1: Range

*vibrato is the 'shaking' of the tone. Instead of a steady tone with one clear frequency, a tone with vibrato fluctuates between frequencies directly above and below the 'core frequency'.

*embellishments are 'decorations'. Instead of singing just the notes of the melody, all kinds of different notes are added in between. To make it sound fancy or soulful. Or to impress. It's what the Baroque period was famous for.

*timing in general is the rhythmical placement of your notes. They could be on a beat (the counts in each bar, in jazz usually 4 in a four quarter beat: 1,2,3,4) or somewhere in between.

A straight timing can be used in jazz ballads or Bossa Novas for example.

But a straight timing isn't unique to jazz. It's also used in classical music and pop for example.

The swing feel is. That's why we focus on it here.

Most singers learn to sing jazz with a certain repertoire. The so-called Jazz Standards. What songs are great to start with?

I included a list of great jazz standards for you. These songs are known all over the world, so whenever you feel like singing on an international stage, you’ll be fine with these. You’ll find them at the bottom of this page.

Many titles yet may be unfamiliar to you. In that case, you can always go to Youtube and hear Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan or Frank Sinatra sing that certain song. The list I included are a great starting point and you could make it your first goal to sing all these songs.

Then… when you want to go a step further – it’s a good thing to be aware of this:

Finding repertoire that fits you like a glove and that helps you expressing who you are as a jazz singer is a wonderful and interesting journey.

In the Great American Songbook, the canon of the most important and influential American popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th century, you will come across songs by famous composers such as George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen and Duke Ellington. The vocal jazz repertoire isn’t limited to this material, but it is an essential part and a great place to start since it is part of the repertoire of virtually every jazz musician. It has become part of the jazz language.

Real- and Fakebooks are books that contain collections of songs by many composers; the ones just mentioned and others. They are an important source!!!

Real/Fake books can be purchased! For high or low voices! Including lyrics! Here they are on Amazon, but Google “Vocal Real Book” and add “high voice” or “low voice” and you’ll find other vendors as well.

Low voices: https://www.amazon.com/Real-Book-Vol-Low-Voice/dp/1423451228

High voices: https://www.amazon.com/Real-Vocal-Book-voice-Second/dp/0634060805

Going through individual songbooks of those composers is a great way of finding lesser known repertoire.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Breaks down the essentials of jazz singing, such as timing and variations, which are often challenging for beginners to grasp on their own

Provides a curated list of jazz standards and recommended listening, which helps beginners build a repertoire and familiarize themselves with the genre

Focuses on developing a 'jazzy sound' and 'swinging timing,' which are fundamental elements for singers aiming to capture the essence of jazz

Does not cover improvisation or scatting, which may disappoint some singers looking for a more advanced approach to jazz performance

Recommends purchasing 'Real Books' and 'Fake Books,' which may require an additional expense for students seeking to expand their repertoire

Explores the Great American Songbook, which is a cornerstone of jazz repertoire and provides a foundation for understanding the genre's history and evolution

Reviews summary

Jazz singing basics for beginners

According to learners, this course serves as a largely positive introduction to singing jazz for those just starting out. Students found the instruction on achieving a jazzy sound and the unique swing feel timing particularly helpful. The instructor is praised for providing clear and concise explanations, making the concepts accessible for beginners. The course also provides a useful repertoire list to help students build a foundational collection of songs. Learners should note that the course explicitly does not cover improvisation or scatting, focusing strictly on the fundamentals.

Solid intro, but may need more depth.

"This is a great first step into jazz singing, provides a solid foundation."

"It's a compact introduction, good overview but not a deep dive into every aspect."

"While a good start, I feel I'll need more courses or practice material to advance further."

Repertoire suggestions are very helpful.

"The list of 30 suggested songs is perfect for building a beginner repertoire."

"Found some classic jazz standards I'm excited to learn from the provided list."

"Really appreciated the repertoire list; it helped me pick suitable songs to start practicing jazz."

Teaches practical techniques for jazzy feel.

"The lessons on swing feel timing were a game-changer for me, really improved my rhythm."

"Learned practical techniques to get the right vocal sound needed for jazz."

"My timing feels much better after practicing the tips given for swing."

Instructor provides easy-to-follow guidance.

"The instructor's explanations were so clear and easy to follow for a beginner like me."

"Great job breaking down the jazz singing basics into manageable steps."

"I finally understand how to approach that jazzy sound thanks to the clear instructions."

Scatting and improv are not included.

"Be aware this course does not teach you how to scat or improvise, just the basics."

"The course is exactly what it says - fundamentals only, don't expect improvisation techniques here."

"If you want to learn improvisation, you'll need to look elsewhere, this is for basic style and timing."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Sing Jazz for beginners with these activities:

Review Basic Music Theory

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Reviewing basic music theory will help you understand the underlying structure of jazz songs and variations.

Browse courses on Music Theory

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Study basic rhythmic patterns.
Review scales and chords.
Practice identifying intervals.

Follow YouTube Tutorials on Jazz Phrasing

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Following YouTube tutorials on jazz phrasing will provide visual and auditory examples of how to create a jazzy sound.

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Search for tutorials on jazz phrasing techniques.
Watch and analyze the techniques demonstrated.
Practice applying the techniques to your singing.

Explore 'The Jazz Singer's Handbook'

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Reading 'The Jazz Singer's Handbook' will provide a solid foundation in jazz vocal techniques and repertoire.

View The Jazz Singer's Handbook: Book & Online Audio on Amazon

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Read the chapters on phrasing and timing.
Practice the vocal exercises in the book.
Explore the recommended repertoire list.

Four other activities

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Practice Swing Timing Exercises

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Practicing swing timing exercises will improve your feel for the rhythm and groove of jazz music.

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Use a metronome to practice swinging eighth notes.
Sing scales and arpeggios with a swing feel.
Improvise simple melodies over a swing backing track.

Study 'The Real Book'

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Studying 'The Real Book' will expose you to a wide range of jazz standards and chord progressions.

View First 50 Songs You Should Clawhammer Strum on... on Amazon

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Choose a song from 'The Real Book'.
Analyze the chord progression.
Practice singing the melody with the chords.

Record Yourself Singing a Jazz Standard

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Recording yourself singing a jazz standard will help you identify areas for improvement in your technique and style.

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Choose a jazz standard from the course's recommended list.
Practice the song with a backing track.
Record your performance.
Listen back and critique your performance.

Build a Personal Jazz Repertoire List

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Building a personal jazz repertoire list will help you develop your own style and find songs that suit your voice.

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Listen to a variety of jazz singers and songs.
Identify songs that you enjoy singing and that fit your vocal range.
Create a list of 10-15 songs to learn and practice.

Career center

Learners who complete Sing Jazz for beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Jazz Singer

A rewarding career for many is as a Jazz Singer. A jazz singer performs jazz compositions, often improvising melodies and rhythms. The course, Sing Jazz for Beginners, helps build a foundation in essential jazz techniques, such as achieving a jazzy sound and swinging timing. The course introduces singers to variations, embellishments, and phrasing, all of which support the creativity and expressiveness required of a jazz singer. Additionally, the course may be especially useful due to its coverage of jazz standards and repertoire. This knowledge will also enable a jazz singer to develop their own unique style.

See salaries and explore the career path for Jazz Singer

Cabaret Singer

A Cabaret Singer performs in intimate settings, often blending singing with storytelling and theatrical elements. If you are attracted to this career, then the course may be very useful. The course helps unlock fundamental jazz singing techniques for singers, including how to achieve a jazzy sound and swinging timing. An aspiring Cabaret Singer may find this course's instructions on singing variations to the melody and building a repertoire of jazz songs to be very useful. Further, the course could be valuable for cabaret singers, as they need to deliver great performances.

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Vocal Coach

A Vocal Coach helps singers improve their technique, performance, and overall vocal ability. The course is valuable for those seeking such a career. The course helps to develop a deep understanding of what constitutes a jazzy sound and swinging timing. Knowledge of these fundamentals helps a Vocal Coach effectively teach these concepts to their students. The course may also be useful for developing methods of instruction and a deeper understanding of variations, embellishments, and phrasing. The course provides a foundation for guiding aspiring singers in their vocal journey.

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Music Teacher

A Music Teacher instructs students in music theory, performance, and appreciation. The course may be useful for those seeking this career. The course helps develop the essentials of a jazzy sound and swinging timing, enabling a Music Teacher to introduce the fundamentals of jazz singing to students. This course's instruction on singing variations to the melody and building a basic list of jazz repertoire helps a music teacher provide students with a well rounded introduction to jazz singing. Moreover, this introduction prepares one to guide more advanced students.

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Choir Director

A Choir Director leads and conducts a choir, selecting music and guiding rehearsals and performances. The course helps singers to understand the essentials of a jazzy sound and swinging timing, which is beneficial for a Choir Director looking to incorporate jazz elements into their choir's repertoire. Learning about singing variations to the melody and building a repertoire may be helpful to the Choir Director selecting appropriate pieces and teaching techniques to their choir members. Also, the course can provide a foundation for introducing jazz to a choir.

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Voice Actor

A Voice Actor provides voices for animated characters, commercials, audiobooks, and more. The course helps singers to understand the essentials of a jazzy sound and swinging timing, which may contribute to a Voice Actor's versatility. Learning about singing variations to the melody and creating a personal repertoire may be useful for a voice actor auditioning for roles that require a musical element. Furthermore, the course may broaden a voice actor's skill set, making them more attractive to potential employers.

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Session Singer

A Session Singer is a vocalist who is hired to sing on recording sessions, often for commercials, film soundtracks, or backing vocals for other artists. The course helps singers to understand the essentials of a jazzy sound and swinging timing, which may contribute to a session singer's versatility across genres. Learning about singing variations to the melody may be useful for a session singer asked to improvise or embellish a melody. The course may provide session singers with additional tools to succeed in recording sessions.

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Wedding Singer

A Wedding Singer performs at wedding ceremonies and receptions, providing musical entertainment for the special event. The course helps singers to understand the essentials of a jazzy sound and swinging timing, which could add a touch of elegance and sophistication to wedding performances. Learning about singing variations to the melody and building a repertoire list may be useful for a Wedding Singer when creating a set list that caters to the couple's preferences. The course may help wedding singers broaden their repertoire.

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Music Arranger

A Music Arranger adapts existing musical compositions for different ensembles or vocalists. The course helps singers grasp the essentials of a jazzy sound and swinging timing, which is very useful to a Music Arranger when working with jazz pieces. This course's lessons on singing variations to a melody can help a Music Arranger craft unique and innovative arrangements. The course may lead to a deeper understanding of the nuances of jazz arranging.

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Composer

A Composer creates original musical works, including melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. The course may give a composer insight into the jazzy sound and timing that could be incorporated into compositions. Learning about singing variations to the melody and building a repertoire could influence a composer's style and approach to songwriting. The course may expand a composer's understanding of jazz composition techniques.

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Music Director

A Music Director is in charge of all musical aspects of a production. The course may give a music director insight into the jazzy sound and timing that could be incorporated into a jazz production. Learning about singing variations to the melody and building a repertoire could influence a Music Director's choices during a production. The course may expand a Music director's understanding of jazz.

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Disc Jockey

A Disc Jockey, sometimes called DJ, plays recorded music for an audience. The course may be useful to a disc jockey who plays jazz music, as they may gain a greater appreciation for a jazzy sound and timing. Learning about jazz repertoire can also inform a disc jockey about what artists and songs to play during a session. The course may expand a disc jockey's understanding of jazz music.

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Talent Scout

A Talent Scout searches for and recruits talented individuals in the music industry. The course may be useful to a talent scout who is looking for talented jazz performers, as they learn about key characteristics of jazz vocalists. Learning about jazz standards may inform a talent scout regarding which vocalists perform the standards well. The course may increase a scout's knowledge of what constitutes a talented jazz vocalist.

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Music Critic

A music critic evaluates and reviews musical performances and recordings. The course may be useful to a music critic who desires to become more familiar with jazz music, as they learn about jazzy sound and timing. Learning about jazz standards and repertoire may also help inform a music critic's evaluation of jazz performances. The course may increase a music critic's acumen when evaluating jazz music.

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Songwriter

A Songwriter writes and composes original songs for themselves or other artists. The course helps singers grasp the essentials of a jazzy sound and swinging timing, which may be useful to a Songwriter of jazz music. This course's lessons on singing variations to a melody can help a Songwriter create unique jazz songs. Also, the jazz standards discussed may provide a useful frame of reference. The course may increase a Songwriter's familiarity with jazz music.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Sing Jazz for beginners.

Jazz singer's handbook

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This handbook comprehensive guide to jazz singing techniques and repertoire. It covers topics such as phrasing, improvisation, and vocal health. It valuable resource for singers of all levels, providing practical exercises and insights into the art of jazz singing. can be used as a reference tool throughout the course.

The Jazz Singer's Handbook: Book & Online Audio

Paperback

Jazz Singer's Handbook: The Artistry and Mastery of...

Paperback

First 50 Songs You Should Clawhammer Strum on...

Save

The Real Book collection of lead sheets for jazz standards. It provides a valuable resource for learning and practicing jazz repertoire. It is commonly used by jazz musicians as a reference tool. adds breadth to the existing course by providing a wide range of songs to explore.

First 50 Songs You Should Clawhammer Strum on...

Paperback

Sing Jazz for beginners

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Jazz singing basics for beginners

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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