How to Learn Singing “Angels We Have Heard on High / Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” from

How to Learn Singing “Angels We Have Heard on High” or “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing”

Singing Christmas carols is a great way to celebrate the holiday season, and “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” are two popular choices. In this article, we’ll explore how to learn and sing these songs effectively, highlighting the unique vocal techniques used and providing practical advice along the way.

Vocal Technique and Song Analysis

Before diving into learning the songs, it’s important to understand the vocal technique and style required. Both “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” are traditional hymns that require a clear and controlled singing technique.

The unique vocal technique used in these songs is called vocal resonance. It involves shaping the mouth and throat to produce a rich and resonant sound. This technique is essential for capturing the expansive and majestic feel of these Christmas carols.

Both songs also have a dynamic range, with moments of soft, delicate singing and powerful, full-bodied singing. Understanding the dynamics and knowing how to control your voice accordingly is crucial to convey the emotions and nuances of the songs.

Learning the Melody and Lyrics

To start learning the songs, familiarize yourself with the melody and lyrics. Listen to recordings of the songs and follow along with the sheet music, which you can find on theSinging Carrots Song-book. Focus on the melody and pay attention to the rhythm and phrasing.

Warm-Up and Vocal Exercises

Before singing the songs, warm up your voice and do some vocal exercises to prepare your vocal cords. Singing Carrots offers a variety of warm-up exercises and vocal exercises for specific vocal techniques on theirPitch Training page.

For both songs, it’s important to focus on breath support and control. Use the Singing Carrots Breath Support article and the Farinelli Breathing exercise video to learn how to breathe correctly and support your voice throughout the songs.

Using Singing Carrots Tools

Utilize the Singing Carrots tools to enhance your learning process.

  • Take the Vocal Range Test to determine your vocal range and find the most suitable key to sing these songs.
  • Use the Pitch Accuracy Test to assess and improve your pitch accuracy while singing the melodies of the songs.
  • The Vocal Pitch Monitor will display your sung notes on a virtual piano, helping you visualize your pitches.
  • Explore the Song Search feature to find other Christmas songs that match your vocal range and difficulty preferences, allowing you to expand your repertoire.
  • Lastly, consider enrolling in the Singing Carrots educational singing course to learn more about singing technique and theory.

Other Popular Songs Using Similar Techniques

The vocal technique and style used in “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” are common in many other traditional hymns and Christmas carols. Some other popular songs that utilize similar vocal techniques include:

  • “O Holy Night”
  • “Silent Night”
  • “O Come, All Ye Faithful”
  • “Joy to the World”
  • “The First Noel”

Conclusion

Learning to sing “Angels We Have Heard on High” or “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” requires practice, vocal technique, and understanding of the songs’ dynamics. By analyzing the songs, warming up your voice, utilizing Singing Carrots resources, and exploring other similar songs, you’ll be well on your way to mastering these Christmas carols and expanding your vocal abilities.