Vocal Jazz style lessons:
Ornamentation
Rachel explores ornamentation in this third installment of Style 101. Ornamentation occurs when a singer adds new notes before and/or after the original notes of a melody or makes slight changes to the original melody to personalize the performance of the song. Continuing with the song “Summertime”, Rachel demonstrates how using your ear and natural instincts, combined with listening to jazz vocalists can create your own individual style.
Steps:
Learn a jazz standard, such as “Summertime.” Make sure you are confident with the notes of the melody, as well as the lyrics.
Sing the melody with your backing track and start to depart from the melody. These changes do not have to be drastic, but rather we recommend starting out simple and near the melody.
Students should actively listen to jazz singers on the attached playlist and then start to emulate the ornamentations they do. They will give the best ideas and inspiration to go from!
Tips:
Encourage students to notice and listen to the harmonies that happen behind them as they sing. If they are familiar with chord symbols, the lead sheet may help with this, if not, encourage students to use their ear to guide them.
Notice how singers such as Ella Fitzgerald use phrasing and ornamentation together to create their own distinct style. Sometimes a singer uses both at once, while others choose to focus on just one.
There is no right or wrong when experimenting with style. If this topic is approached as playful and creative, the student will be more likely to take risks and try new things!
Want to send this video to your students? Use this link: https://youtu.be/eX7y-sDrlLA