The Singer Who Used Her Voice Like An Instrument
During Women’s History Month, we celebrate women who didn’t just make music—they changed it. One of those women is Ella Fitzgerald, often called The First Lady of Song.
Her story reminds us that music is not about being perfect—it’s about listening, exploring, and finding your own voice.
And that applies to every student, no matter what instrument they play.
A Look Back: Ella Fitzgerald’s Incredible Journey
Ella Fitzgerald was born in 1917 in Newport News, Virginia, and grew up in Yonkers, New York. As a child, she loved music but didn’t start out planning to be a famous singer.
In 1934, at just 17 years old, Ella entered an amateur night competition at the famous Apollo Theater in Harlem. She originally planned to dance—but at the last moment, she decided to sing instead.
She won.
Soon after, she began performing with Chick Webb’s orchestra, one of the most popular jazz bands of the time. When Webb passed away in 1939, Ella became the leader of the band—something very rare for a young Black woman at that time.
What Made Ella Fitzgerald So Special?
Ella Fitzgerald became known for her incredible voice—but also for something even more unique: scat singing.
Scat singing is when a singer uses nonsense syllables (like “doo-bop” or “ba-da”) to improvise melodies, almost like an instrument.
Instead of just repeating music, she created something new in the moment.
She recorded over 200 albums and worked with legends like:
Duke Ellington
Louis Armstrong
Count Basie
Her recordings of the Great American Songbook helped preserve important music and introduced it to new generations.
Why Her Story Matters for Students Today
Ella Fitzgerald’s story teaches something powerful:
You don’t have to start perfectly to become great
Listening is just as important as playing or singing
Creativity grows when you allow yourself to explore
Inside lessons—whether students are learning piano, guitar, drums, violin, voice, or another instrument—these same ideas show up every day.
When students:
Try something new
Repeat and improve
Listen carefully
Experiment with sound
—they are doing exactly what Ella did.
A Fun Musical Activity to Try at Home
Try this creative exercise inspired by Ella Fitzgerald:
Step 1: Play or sing a simple melody
Step 2: Repeat it—but change something (rhythm, speed, or dynamics)
Step 3: Try making up your own version
If you play an instrument, treat it like a voice.
If you sing, treat your voice like an instrument.
There’s no “wrong” version—just exploration.
Music Then and Now
Ella Fitzgerald helped show the world that music doesn’t have to be rigid—it can be playful, expressive, and alive.
Today, her influence can be heard in:
Jazz
Pop
R&B
Film music
Even classroom improvisation games
Her legacy reminds us that music is not just about reading notes—it’s about creating, listening, and connecting.
A Note for Students and Families
Women like Ella Fitzgerald helped expand what music could be. Their creativity made space for more expression, more freedom, and more voices.
And that doesn’t stop with history—it continues every time a student picks up an instrument and explores something new.
Music is not about being perfect.
It’s about being curious, confident, and willing to try.
Check back next week for another post in Simple lessons, smart practice, and musical discoveries, where we continue building strong, confident musicians through history and creativity 🎶