Exercise 1
The magic key note. If the key is Bb major, b flat is the key note. And it fits every chord in that key, in a way. Because it is what all notes want to become. The tensionless key note. Nature strives for balance. The tensionless state. And music is a natural phenomenon.
Exercise 2
Again the key note, only this time in octaves. The ability to sing the octave (above or below) of any tone is precious for jazz singers. Once you reach the limits of your vocal range, you can move into another octave really easy by repeating your last note in a different octave.
Exercise 3
Chord tones (the notes of chords) are the basic material for melodic lines. It makes them strong and logical.
Exercise 4
Same lines, different rhythm. It’s like making rhythmic variations on a melody. Only then it has to fit the lyrics as well.
Exercise 5
The more variations, the better. Well, for a while. Because a large amount of diversity can even become a pattern itself. Break that pattern by doing something simple with almost no diversity. Like repeating the same note, or holding one long note for example.
