Learning to Sing ‘Be Our Guest’ from Beauty and the Beast
‘Be Our Guest’ is a joyful, energetic, and flamboyant song from the iconic Disney movie, Beauty and the Beast. It requires a great deal of articulation and breath control to embody the fast-paced, wordy melodies and the theatrical energy of the song.
Understanding the Vocal Technique
The primary vocal technique used in this song is known as ‘Articulation.’ It’s the effort to pronounce words and phrases clearly and accurately. For references, check this article on Articulation, and to improve this skill, practice with this Finger Bite Exercise video.
This technique can also be seen in other classics like ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ from Mary Poppins or ‘I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General’ from The Pirates of Penzance.
Let’s Learn ‘Be Our Guest’
Start by listening to the original song. Take note of the pace, energy, and the distinct pronunciations.
Next, determine your vocal range using the Vocal Range Test. Understanding your range will help you sing notes accurately without straining your voice. You can also use the Vocal Pitch Monitor tool to observe real-time feedback for the notes you sing.
Practice your breath control since ‘Be Our Guest’ requires a significant amount of stamina due to its quick pace. This Breathing Basics article is a superb resource to learn more about the role of breath in singing. Also, the Farinelli Breathing Exercise is recommended for stamina development.
Lastly, focus on the pronunciations and tone quality. Recite the lyrics like a script to promote proper diction. Understand the story, and express it with appropriate emotions.
Remember, Practice Makes Perfect!
Don’t be disheartened if it feels difficult initially. Regular practice is key to improve your speed, articulation, and overall performance. Use the Pitch Training Game to enhance your pitch recognition abilities and find other songs matching your range using the Song Search.
Enjoy Your Singing Journey
Always remember to enjoy the process of learning. Singing ‘Be Our Guest’ is not just about hitting the notes, but it’s about delivering the story, creating that magical atmosphere, and enjoying the experience. Happy singing!