Learning to Sing “I Am What I Am” from La Cage Aux Folles
In this article, we will explore how to learn to sing the iconic song “I Am What I Am” from the musical La Cage Aux Folles. This powerful and uplifting song is a perfect showcase for singers looking to express their true selves and embrace their individuality. With its soaring melody and heartfelt lyrics, “I Am What I Am” has become a classic anthem of self-acceptance.
Understanding the Vocal Technique
One of the unique vocal techniques utilized in “I Am What I Am” is the concept of belting. Belting is a powerful and intense singing technique that involves using the chest voice to produce a strong and resonant sound. It allows the performer to convey a sense of passion, pride, and defiance.
This technique can be challenging to master, but with the right training and practice, you can develop the strength and control required to belt out the song’s high notes with confidence. Singing Carrots’ article on contemporary vocal techniques provides valuable insights and exercises to help you improve your belting technique.
Practical Advice for Learning the Song
Here are some practical tips to help you effectively learn and perform “I Am What I Am”:
- Start by listening to different renditions of the song, paying attention to the vocal style and interpretation of different performers. This will help you develop your own unique interpretation.
- Break down the song into smaller sections and focus on mastering one section at a time. This will make learning the song more manageable and less overwhelming.
- Work on your breath support and posture to ensure you have a strong foundation for singing. Singing Carrots’ articles on breath support and how posture affects your singing provide helpful tips and exercises to improve these essential aspects of vocal technique.
- Use Singing Carrots’ pitch accuracy test and vocal pitch monitor to refine your pitch and ensure you are hitting the right notes.
- Practice with Singing Carrots’ pitch training tools to develop your range, agility, and pitch accuracy. These interactive exercises and warm-ups will help you strengthen your vocal abilities.
- Take advantage of Singing Carrots’ song search feature to find other songs that showcase belting technique. This will allow you to explore and expand your repertoire in a way that complements your study of “I Am What I Am”.
Other Songs That Use Similar Vocal Technique
The belting technique used in “I Am What I Am” is employed in various other popular songs across different genres. Here are some examples:
- “Defying Gravity” from the musical Wicked
- “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from the musical Dreamgirls
- “The Winner Takes It All” by ABBA
- “Don’t Rain on My Parade” from the musical Funny Girl
- “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
Listening to and studying these songs will not only expand your repertoire but also help you further develop your belting technique.