How to Learn Singing “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone
Learning how to sing a particular song requires careful analysis, practice, and understanding of vocal techniques. In the case of Nina Simone’s iconic song “Feeling Good,” there are several key elements to focus on in order to deliver a captivating performance.
The Unique Vocal Technique: Expressing Emotion and Power
“Feeling Good” is known for its powerful and emotive delivery. To capture the essence of this song, it is important to work on expressing emotions through your voice. Focus on conveying the feelings of strength, confidence, and liberation that the lyrics and melody invoke.
To achieve this, pay attention to your breath control and support, as it forms the foundation of your vocal power. Proper breath support allows you to sustain long phrases and produce dynamic variations in volume and intensity.
Additionally, work on finding your own interpretation of the song. Experiment with different vocal colors, phrasing, and dynamics to imbue the performance with your unique style while staying true to the original intent.
Now that you understand the core vocal technique, let’s delve into practical steps to learn and master “Feeling Good.”
1. Analyze Your Voice and Determine your Vocal Range
Before you start practicing “Feeling Good,” it’s essential to know your vocal range. Singing Carrots offers a Vocal Range Test to help you discover your range and compare it with famous singers.
2. Study the Song Structure and Lyrics
Listen to the original recording of “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone and study the song structure. Pay attention to the verse-chorus pattern, dynamics, and phrasing. Familiarize yourself with the lyrics to understand the meaning behind the words and how they relate to the emotions you want to convey.
3. Vocal Warm-up and Breathing Exercises
Before diving into singing “Feeling Good,” warm up your voice with breathing exercises and vocal warm-ups. Singing Carrots provides a Pitch Training tool that includes interactive vocal warm-ups and pitch visualization exercises.
4. Practice Phrasing, Dynamics, and Interpretation
Break down the song into smaller sections and focus on each phrase separately. Pay attention to the dynamics (loudness and softness), articulation, and phrasing. Experiment with different interpretations to find the one that resonates with you and effectively conveys the emotions of the song.
5. Record and Evaluate Your Performance
After sufficient practice, record yourself singing “Feeling Good” and listen back to evaluate your performance. Take note of areas where you can improve in terms of technique, emotional expression, and overall delivery. Consider seeking feedback from experienced singers or vocal coaches to further refine your performance.
Other Songs with Similar Vocal Technique
“Feeling Good” by Nina Simone showcases a vocal technique that is also used in other popular songs. Here are a few examples:
- “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
- “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele
- “River Deep – Mountain High” by Tina Turner
- “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” by Jennifer Holliday
Exploring these songs will give you a deeper understanding of the vocal technique used in “Feeling Good” and provide further inspiration for your singing journey.
Remember, learning to sing “Feeling Good” is a process that requires time, patience, and practice. By focusing on the unique vocal technique, analyzing the song, and utilizing the resources provided by Singing Carrots, you can develop the skills necessary to deliver a captivating performance of this timeless classic.