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Frank Sinatra, the legendary crooner, wasn’t always the master of his craft. Early in his career, he was advised to take vocal lessons. He found Quinn, a former Metropolitan Opera singer turned vocal coach. Despite Quinn’s rough exterior, Sinatra began intensive training, paying $3 a week for three lessons. Sinatra’s excitement was palpable; he couldn’t wait for each session. These lessons laid the foundation for his iconic singing style, blending technical skill with raw emotion.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
Listen to Frank Himself Discuss His Vocal Journey
In this recording, Sinatra shares his journey and how his vocal lessons played a crucial role in his success. Listening to his words can provide valuable insights and inspiration for your own singing journey.
10 Timeless Singing Tips from Frank Sinatra
In analyzing his singing style, I identified 10 techniques that are consistently present in his performances. If you incorporate these techniques into your practice, they will undoubtedly transform your voice for the better. Sinatra even co-authored a book with Quinn, detailing vocal exercises and techniques, which he used throughout his illustrious career
Many would argue that these are very basic and fundamental aspects of singing, but believe me, these simple concepts, when mastered over time, can transform your voice. So please don’t disregard them or judge them for their simplicity. With all that said, let’s dive in.
1. Sing Naturally
Frank Sinatra emphasized the importance of singing in a natural speaking voice to prevent strain and maintain authenticity. For example, when performing “My Way,” Sinatra’s natural tone made the song resonate deeply with audiences.
Example: Practice singing in your natural speaking voice. This will help you avoid unnecessary strain and sound more genuine.
2. Drop Your Jaw
Relaxing and dropping your jaw enhances resonance and tone quality. This technique can be observed in Sinatra’s performance of “Fly Me to the Moon,” where his relaxed jaw allowed for a richer sound.
Example: Practice singing with your jaw relaxed and slightly dropped to achieve a fuller tone. Try this with a simple scale, focusing on keeping the jaw loose.
3. Maintain Consistent Placement
Singing high and low notes from the same placement position helps avoid strain and ensures smoother transitions. In “New York, New York,” Sinatra’s consistent placement allows him to hit both high and low notes effortlessly.
Tip: Use vocal exercises that focus on maintaining consistent placement across different pitches. For example, practice singing a scale while keeping the sensation of vibration in the same spot.
4. Use Onsets (Sighs)
Initiate phrases with a gentle sigh to avoid straining your vocal folds. This technique is evident in Sinatra’s rendition of “Strangers in the Night,” where his smooth onsets add to the song’s intimate feel.
Practice: Start your phrases with a soft sigh or a puppy whine to reduce tension and achieve a smoother sound. Try sighing out a phrase gently and then singing it the same way.
5. Breathe Deeply but Naturally
Proper breath control is crucial. Breathe deeply yet naturally to support your voice without overexertion. In “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” Sinatra’s controlled breathing allows him to sustain long phrases effortlessly.
Exercise: Practice diaphragmatic breathing to improve your breath control. Lie on your back with a book on your stomach and practice making the book rise and fall with your breath.
6. Avoid Strain
There should be no reason to strain while singing. Keep your voice comfortable and relaxed. Sinatra’s performance of “The Way You Look Tonight” showcases his relaxed approach, making the song sound effortless.
Advice: If you feel strain, take a break and reassess your technique. Ensure you are using proper breath support and not pushing too hard.
7. Keep Your Adam’s Apple Neutral
A neutral position for your Adam’s apple supports a natural and relaxed vocal tone, aiding in consistent vocal production. Sinatra’s smooth vocal tone in “Summer Wind” is a perfect example of this technique.
Tip: Practice the different positions of your Adam’s apple and then aim for a neutral position by speaking in a relaxed tone.
8. Visualize Voice Placement
Imagine your voice as going narrow and wide rather than higher and lower. This mental trick helps achieve better pitch and placement. Sinatra used this visualization technique to maintain his signature sound across different songs.
9. Make Singing Easier
The goal of vocal technique is to make singing easier and more efficient, allowing you to enjoy the process without discomfort. Sinatra’s effortless performances, such as in “Come Fly with Me,” demonstrate the importance of efficient technique.
Advice: Focus on making your singing process as easy and natural as possible. This can include proper warm-ups, hydration, and maintaining vocal health.
10. Stop if You Feel Pain
Never push through pain. If you feel any discomfort while singing, stop and reassess your technique to prevent injury. Sinatra always prioritized vocal health, ensuring his longevity as a performer.
Warning: Pain is a sign that something is wrong. Address any discomfort immediately by resting and seeking professional advice if necessary.
Related Content
- Everything You Need to Know About the Human Voice
- The Future of Vocal Coaching: AI vs. Human Coaches
- Why Head Voice is Crucial for Singers: 7 Techniques to Master It
My Top 3 Must-Reads for Serious Learners
“The Ultimate Guide to Singing” by TC-Helicon
This comprehensive resource covers everything a singer needs to know, from vocal techniques and exercises to performance tips and recording advice. Written by experts in the field, “The Ultimate Guide to Singing” is packed with practical information and insights that can help singers at any level improve their skills and confidence.
“Vocal Wisdom” by Giovanni Battista Lamperti
A classic text on vocal technique, “Vocal Wisdom” compiles the teachings of renowned voice teacher Giovanni Battista Lamperti. This book provides timeless advice on breath control, tone production, and vocal health, offering valuable guidance for anyone serious about improving their singing.
“Set Your Voice Free” by Roger Love
Roger Love, one of the world’s leading vocal coaches, shares his proven techniques for transforming your voice in “Set Your Voice Free.” This book includes practical exercises and tips for developing a powerful, flexible, and expressive voice. Love’s methods have helped many famous singers and speakers achieve their vocal potential.
My Top 3 Recommended Singing Products
| Product | Description & Link |
| Vocalzone Throat Pastilles | These pastilles are especially useful for singers who experience throat irritation or strain. They contain a blend of natural ingredients that provide relief and support for your voice, making them a must-have for any vocalist. AMAZON |
| Bose SoundLink Revolve+ Bluetooth Speaker | Its portable design allows you to take it anywhere, and the high-quality audio ensures that you can hear every nuance of your practice tracks. Whether you’re rehearsing at home or on the go, this speaker will enhance your singing experience. AMAZON |
| Zoom H1n Portable Recorder | ideal for recording and analyzing your practice sessions. Its compact size and high-quality microphones capture clear audio, allowing you to review your performance with precision. Use it to track your progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure you’re on the right path to vocal mastery. AMAZON |
Embrace Sinatra’s Legacy in Your Singing Journey
These singing tips remain relevant and valuable for singers today. Incorporating these techniques into your practice can help you develop a healthier, more natural singing voice. For more insights and demonstrations, check out our TikTok channel @thasingingcoach.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Pushing Your Voice: Leading to strain and vocal damage.
- Neglecting Breath Support: Results in a weak or unstable head voice.
- Trying to Sound Huge: Causing noticeable imbalance between registers.
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OPEN TO READ FAQs
FAQ
How can I sing like Frank Sinatra?
Focus on natural voice, relaxed jaw, consistent placement, and proper breath control. Use onsets and avoid strain.
What are the benefits of using onsets in singing?
Onsets help avoid straining your vocal folds and promote smoother sound production.
Why is it important to keep the Adam’s apple neutral while singing?
A neutral Adam’s apple supports a relaxed vocal tone and consistent voice production.
