How to Learn Singing “Candle on the Water” from Helen Reddy

How to Learn Singing “Candle on the Water” by Helen Reddy

Learning a new song can be an exciting and rewarding experience for any singer. In this article, we will guide you on how to learn singing “Candle on the Water” by Helen Reddy, a beautiful and heartfelt ballad from the Disney movie “Pete’s Dragon.” We will discuss the unique vocal technique used in the song and provide practical advice to help you master it. Additionally, we will mention other popular songs that incorporate similar techniques. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Vocal Technique

“Candle on the Water” showcases the use of belting, a powerful vocal technique that adds intensity and emotion to a song. Belting involves singing with a strong chest voice, creating a powerful and resonant sound. In this song, Helen Reddy demonstrates her exceptional belting skills, capturing the emotional depth of the lyrics.

Practical Advice for Learning the Song

Here are some practical tips to help you learn and sing “Candle on the Water” effectively:

  1. Start with a Vocal Range Test: Before diving into the song, it’s essential to know your vocal range. Take the Vocal Range Test on Singing Carrots to understand your voice’s capabilities and identify the appropriate key for the song.
  2. Analyze the Song: Study the lyrics, melody, and structure of “Candle on the Water.” Pay attention to the emotional arc of the song and the specific moments where belting is used. This understanding will help you connect with the song on a deeper level.
  3. Breathing Techniques: Practice proper breathing techniques by referring to the Breathing Basics article on Singing Carrots. Good breath control is crucial for sustaining powerful belted notes throughout the song.
  4. Warm-up Exercises: Warm up your voice with exercises that focus on chest voice and belting. Singing Carrots’ Chest Voice Explained video will guide you through vocal exercises specifically designed to strengthen your chest voice and improve your belting skills.
  5. Articulation and Phrasing: Pay attention to your articulation and phrasing while singing “Candle on the Water.” Clear diction and expressive phrasing will enhance the overall delivery of the song. Check out the Articulation article on Singing Carrots for some useful tips.
  6. Record and Listen: Record yourself singing the song and listen to the playback. Take note of areas where you can improve, such as pitch accuracy and the emotional interpretation of the lyrics. Use Singing Carrots’ Vocal Pitch Monitor tool to visualize your sung notes on a virtual piano and make adjustments accordingly.

Other Popular Songs Utilizing Belting

Belting is a versatile vocal technique used in various genres. Here are a few other popular songs that incorporate belting:

  • “Defying Gravity” from the musical Wicked
  • “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
  • “Don’t Rain on My Parade” from the musical Funny Girl
  • “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from the musical Dreamgirls

By listening to and studying these songs, you can gain further inspiration and insight into how to utilize belting effectively in your singing.

Relevant Singing Carrots Resources

Singing Carrots provides a wide range of resources to support your singing journey. Here are some relevant resources to explore:

We hope these resources enhance your singing journey and help you master “Candle on the Water” and other belted songs. Happy singing!