How to Learn Singing “Dream a Little Dream of Me” from Glee
“Dream a Little Dream of Me” is a beautiful song originally written in 1931 and was popularized by various artists over the years, including the Glee cast. In this guide, we will dive into the unique vocal technique used in the song and provide practical advice on how to learn and master it.
Understanding the Vocal Technique
The song “Dream a Little Dream of Me” requires a smooth and controlled vocal delivery, emphasizing a warm and gentle tone. Additionally, it incorporates elements of jazz singing, such as vocal slides, melodic improvisation, and dynamic phrasing.
One of the key vocal techniques prominent in this song is belting. Belting is characterized by a powerful and resonant voice production, typically used in musical theater and pop genres. It allows the singer to convey strong emotions and deliver impactful performances.
Another technique used in “Dream a Little Dream of Me” is singing with vibrato. Vibrato is a controlled oscillation of pitch that adds richness and depth to the voice. Mastering vibrato can enhance the expressiveness of the song and give it a professional touch.
It’s worth noting that the vocal techniques employed in “Dream a Little Dream of Me” are also used in other popular songs. Some of these songs include “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra, “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone, and “At Last” by Etta James. Learning and practicing these techniques will not only help you with this specific song but also expand your overall vocal abilities.
Practical Steps to Learn the Song
Here are some practical steps to help you learn and master “Dream a Little Dream of Me” from Glee:
- Analyze Your Voice: Before diving into learning the song, take some time to analyze your voice and understand your vocal range and capabilities. This will help you adapt the song to your voice and make it sound the best it can be.
- Warm-Up and Breathing: Start with some breathing exercises and vocal warm-ups to prepare your voice. Use the Vocal Range Test provided by Singing Carrots to warm up and determine your range.
- Practice Belting: As mentioned earlier, “Dream a Little Dream of Me” features belting. Familiarize yourself with the technique by watching the How to Twang Exercise video from Singing Carrots. Incorporate belting techniques into your vocal exercises and gradually apply them to the song.
- Add Vibrato: To add vibrato to your singing, watch the Beggars Bounce and Diaphragm Bounce videos from Singing Carrots. Practice these techniques and experiment with incorporating vibrato into the song where appropriate.
- Learn the Melody and Lyrics: Listen carefully to the original version of “Dream a Little Dream of Me” and focus on the melody and lyrics. Use resources such as Singing Carrots’ Song Search to find the full lyrics, sheet music, and even karaoke versions of the song.
- Practice with Vocal Pitch Monitor: Utilize the Vocal Pitch Monitor tool from Singing Carrots to monitor your pitch accuracy while practicing the song. This will help you identify areas that need improvement and develop better pitch control.