Discovering the Michael Jackson Singing Technique

Michael Jackson was renowned for his vocal range and emotional depth, characterized by a high-tuned singing style, intensity, and flair. His passion for music was unmatched, making him an icon of perfection. While replicating his trademark style may be a challenge, understanding the key elements and practicing diligently will help you emulate the King of Pop's vocal prowess.

Immerse yourself in Michael Jackson's musical legacy. From his early days with the Jackson 5 to his groundbreaking later career, MJ's music offers a wealth of vocal techniques, styles, and performance nuances. Dive into his catalog as if it were a study guide, identifying standout moments that define his music and considering how you can incorporate these elements into your own singing style.

• With a vast discography spanning decades, live performances, and concert recordings, MJ's musical journey provides ample inspiration and guidance.

Express yourself with unique touches. Once you've mastered singing like MJ, add your personal flair. Michael Jackson's influence stemmed from his ability to creatively enhance his songs with unique embellishments. Don't just mimic; infuse your style into his, embracing the spirit of innovation.

• MJ's signature nuances, such as his playful 'shamone' and exclamations like 'hee-hee!' were spontaneous additions during recording sessions. Channel Jackson's essence by adding your twists, improvising new lyrics or rhythms, creating a fresh interpretation of classic tunes.

Immerse yourself in the moment. Pour your heart and soul into your singing! Authenticity shines through, transcending mere note-hitting. MJ's allure lay in his soulful delivery rather than technical perfection. Dive deep, dance to the rhythm, and mirror the passion. To become an exceptional performer, connect with the music like never before.

• Singing can strain your voice over time, so avoid overexertion to prevent damage.
• Keep in mind to enjoy the journey; music is about sharing emotions, so relax and relish the experience.

Consistent practice is key. Dedicate daily time to singing along with MJ's tracks to refine your skills. Make it enjoyable—sing in diverse settings like the car, shower, or while watching TV. Singing, like any craft, improves with persistent effort.

• Singing can be integrated into your daily routine, offering continuous improvement.
• Begin by mastering MJ's style before exploring your unique vocal range and style. Start with songs like 'Will You Be There' for a classic approach, then progress to more challenging tunes like 'Dirty Diana' or 'Beat It.'

Consider a vocal coach. For serious vocal enhancement, a vocal coach is invaluable. These experts analyze voices and devise tailored techniques for improvement. While beneficial, coaching is an investment, suitable for committed singers seeking substantial growth.

• Working with a vocal coach isn't mandatory for skillful singing. Many successful artists are self-taught, emphasizing the importance of diligent practice and correct methods.
• If you're at an intermediate level, exploring classical or operatic training can also be beneficial.

Incorporate vocal exercises. Alongside regular singing, integrate voice warm-ups and exercises into your daily routine to enhance vocal quality and efficiency. These exercises focus on range modulation, enunciation, projection, and tonal accuracy, akin to an archer honing their bowstring skills or a basketball player refining free throws.

• Choir singers often use exercises like repeating sententious lines with assonance and alliteration while ascending and descending the scale, such as 'mommy made me mash my M&Ms,' to improve vocal range and agility.
• Structured exercises for varied ranges, such as those in Michael Jackson's songs, can help develop versatility and control.
• Think of singing as a flexible discipline like Yoga; consistent practice enhances flexibility and allows you to push your vocal boundaries effectively.

Maintain vocal health. Treat your voice like a finely tuned engine, practicing careful maintenance to ensure peak performance. Avoid strain by staying within your natural range, staying hydrated, and giving your voice adequate rest to recover fully.

• Stay hydrated with water to keep your voice supple and protect vocal cords from damage.
• Use warm tea, saltwater gargles, or cough drops to soothe strained throat muscles, and avoid excessive voice use during recovery periods.

Master tenor singing. Familiarize yourself with the tenor voice and practice adjusting your range accordingly. Tenor, the highest male voice type in classical singing, featured prominently in Michael Jackson's later works. Training in tenor requires ear training and consistent practice to achieve proficiency.

• Listen to renowned tenor singers to understand the nuances of the tenor voice.
• Practice tenor singing using a keyboard to refine your pitch accuracy and range control.
• As Jackson's voice matured, he naturally shifted towards high tenor, evident in songs like 'Thriller' and 'Man in the Mirror.'

Explore soprano singing. Study the soprano voice and begin practicing foundational notes. Soprano, the highest vocal pitch, is technically challenging but essential for expanding vocal range. Jackson's early exposure to soprano singing contributed to his versatile vocal abilities.

• Soprano range spans from Middle 'C' to High 'A,' typically sung by females but impressive when mastered by men.
• Patience and training are key to mastering soprano singing, recognizing your natural limits while striving for range expansion.
• Jackson showcased his soprano skills in songs like 'I Want You Back' and 'I'll Be There' during his Jackson 5 days.

Experiment with falsetto singing. Incorporate falsetto into your singing style to reach higher notes. Falsetto is a technique that allows singers to hit higher pitches than their natural voice range. Michael Jackson frequently used falsetto in his songs, such as 'Billie Jean' and 'Smooth Criminal.' Practice projecting from the top of your throat and nose to achieve the falsetto sound.

• To get a feel for falsetto projection, try imitating high-pitched cartoon voices or enthusiastic 'wooing' sounds. These use similar muscle groups to falsetto singing, with the sound resonating from the center of your head.
• Keep in mind that falsetto can strain your voice if used loudly or excessively, so use it cautiously.

• Stay hydrated and take breaks to rest your voice.
• Practice singing anywhere and incorporate your own style.
• If you're comfortable, share your rendition of Michael Jackson's songs with friends for feedback.

• Avoid singing when you're sick or have a sore throat to prevent further strain.
• Be cautious with falsetto singing as it can strain your voice if done loudly or excessively.