How to Learn Singing “He Was Tall” from Cinderella [Rodgers & Hammerstein]

How to Learn Singing “He Was Tall” from Cinderella

“He Was Tall” is a beautiful and emotional song from the musical Cinderella, composed by Rodgers & Hammerstein. Learning to sing this song will not only allow you to showcase your vocal abilities but also portray the character’s vulnerability and longing.

Understanding the Song

Before diving into learning the song, take some time to analyze “He Was Tall” and understand its musical and emotional elements. The song expresses the character’s admiration and longing for someone special. The lyrics and melody work together to convey the character’s emotions and vocal technique in this piece.

Vocal Technique: Belting

In “He Was Tall,” the character’s emotions are intensified through belting technique. Belting allows you to project your voice strongly and convey intense emotions. It involves singing with a mix of chest and head resonance, creating a powerful and resonant sound.

To master the belting technique, it is essential to develop proper breath support, maintain an open mouth and throat while singing, and find the balance between chest and head resonance. Singing Carrots resources can help you achieve this:

Practical Tips to Learn “He Was Tall”

  1. Listen to various renditions of “He Was Tall” to familiarize yourself with different interpretations and vocal techniques employed by singers.
  2. Begin by practicing the melody and rhythm of the song, focusing on accuracy and musicality. Sing along with the original soundtrack or instrumental version.
  3. Work on the emotional expression of the song. Connect with the lyrics and the character’s feelings, conveying them through your voice.
  4. Use Singing Carrots’ Pitch Accuracy Test to improve your pitch accuracy and ensure you’re hitting the right notes.
  5. Record yourself singing “He Was Tall” and analyze your performance. Identify areas for improvement and apply appropriate vocal techniques.
  6. Experiment with dynamics and phrasing to add depth and nuance to your interpretation of the song.
  7. Practice regularly and consistently. Dedicate specific time each day to work on the song, focusing on different aspects such as breath support, vocal range, and emotional delivery.

Similar Songs with Belting Technique

Belting technique is widely used in musical theater and pop genres. Here are some popular songs that also incorporate belting:

  • “Defying Gravity” from the musical Wicked
  • “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from the musical Dreamgirls
  • “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
  • “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele

By learning “He Was Tall,” you’ll gain valuable experience in applying the belting technique, enabling you to tackle other songs with similar vocal requirements.

Remember, mastering any song takes time, practice, and dedication. Utilize the resources provided by Singing Carrots to enhance your vocal skills and create a captivating performance of “He Was Tall” from Cinderella. Happy singing!