Frank Sinatra, an icon of American popular music, not only captivated audiences with his voice but also delved into the mechanics of singing. Early in his career, Sinatra collaborated with voice coach John Quinlan on “Tips on Popular Singing,” a beginner’s guide published in 1941. This book offers a valuable glimpse into vocal pedagogy before the widespread adoption of the “sing as you speak” method, popularized later by figures like Seth Riggs. The insights within Sinatra’s book remain relevant for aspiring singers, particularly those interested in the nuances of mid-20th-century vocal training.
The Pre-“Sing as You Speak” Era of Vocal Coaching
Before the 1950s, the approach to teaching popular singing differed significantly from modern methods. Seth Riggs, a prominent proponent of the “sing as you speak” technique, began his formal teaching career around 1949. Consequently, the methods discussed in Sinatra’s 1941 book predate this influential approach. This older methodology often focused on fundamental exercises, including scales using vowels and simple songs, emphasizing smooth delivery and proper breath control.
Sinatra’s Approach to Vocal Training
In “Tips on Popular Singing,” the emphasis is placed on a pragmatic view of vocal training for popular singers. The book suggests that extensive training is not always a prerequisite for success, stating, “the popular vocalist, who has had voice training, beyond a few simple exercises, is the exception rather than the rule.” This perspective highlights that foundational exercises, such as those involving vowels and basic melodic structures, were considered sufficient for many aspiring artists. The book also advises on maintaining vocal “placement” during exercises, a crucial element for consistent vocal production.
While Sinatra’s book provides valuable advice on breath support and exhalation control, it notably omits detailed discussions on the specific muscles involved or the concept of muscle memory. This omission might reflect the general understanding of vocal physiology at the time. However, the core message remains that achieving competency as a pop singer did not necessarily require years of intensive, specialized exercises. Many successful singers of that era, much like today, possessed an intuitive ability to sing well, often without formal, prolonged training.
Contemporary Vocal Coaching vs. Historical Methods
Modern vocal coaching, particularly on platforms like YouTube, often features various exercises. However, the rationale behind these exercises is not always clearly explained, leaving aspiring singers questioning their purpose and efficacy. The article suggests that a potential pitfall of excessive exercise-based instruction is the development of bad habits, such as excessive nasality.
A more effective approach, as implied by the discussion of Sinatra’s book and contemporary insights, involves a balanced methodology. This includes understanding the fundamentals of vowel pronunciation and breath control, as outlined in “Tips on Popular Singing,” alongside consistent practice of actual songs. For instance, addressing issues like struggling with higher vocal ranges might involve targeted exercises to engage the relevant muscles. The key is a gradual process that builds muscle memory and vocal control over time, rather than forcing progress through repetitive, unexplained drills.
The Enduring Legacy of Sinatra’s Vocal Insights
Frank Sinatra’s foray into vocal instruction through “Tips on Popular Singing” offers a unique historical perspective on vocal training for popular music. While contemporary methods have evolved, the fundamental principles of breath support, clear vowel pronunciation, and the importance of singing songs remain central to developing vocal proficiency. The book serves as a reminder that while technical exercises have their place, the ultimate goal is to sing with clarity, control, and expressiveness. Aspiring singers today can still glean valuable lessons from this classic guide, appreciating the timeless wisdom embedded within its pages.
References
- Learning to Sing. (2018, June 12). Can We Learn Something From Frank Sinatra’s Book on Singing? Retrieved from https://learningtosing.wordpress.com/2018/06/12/can-we-learn-something-from-frank-sinatras-book-on-singing/