Expert: Jim Tompkins-MacLaine - 1/18/2009

Question
How do you develop a raspy singing voice like Norah Jones? I know she's more contemporary jazz. I love her vocals! I am starting singing lessons and i wanted some advice.

Answer
First of all, congratulations for beginning voice lessons. I have been a voice teacher for 30 years and love that people still want to sing correctly. Now, regarding Norah Jones. Norah has a very "natural" sound to her voice, but I'm sure she has put years into it! As you train, remember that what you learn in your lessons is a doorway to what you do with your voice. In a voice lesson, it's important to remember the "rules" of singing. In performance, it's a whole different thing. You would not use the same vocal style for opera that you would for pop or jazz. Pop and jazz tend to use much less vibrato, and the diction (how you pronounce words) is not as precise. Talk to your voice teacher. He or she will guide you the right way. GOOD LUCK!