How to Learn Singing “I Dreamed a Dream” from Susan Boyle

Learning to Sing “I Dreamed a Dream” by Susan Boyle

If you are a fan of musical theater, you have probably heard Susan Boyle’s rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Misérables. Her powerful and emotional performance captivated millions around the world. Learning to sing this iconic song can be a challenging but rewarding experience.

Vocal Technique: Belting

One standout vocal technique used by Susan Boyle in this song is belting. Belting is a powerful singing technique commonly used in musical theater and pop music to convey intense emotions. It involves singing with a strong, chest-dominant sound while maintaining good vocal support and control.

To achieve a belting sound in “I Dreamed a Dream,” it is crucial to master breath support and control. This allows you to sustain powerful and long notes with ease. Singing Carrots provides an excellent resource on understanding and improving breath support in their article on breath support.

Learning the Song Step by Step

Here are some practical tips to help you learn to sing “I Dreamed a Dream”:

  1. Start by listening to Susan Boyle’s version of the song to familiarize yourself with the melody, phrasing, and emotional nuances.
  2. Practice proper breathing techniques before attempting the song. Singing Carrots’ breathing basics article can guide you in warming up your lungs and diaphragm.
  3. Focus on mastering the vocal range required for the song. You can use Singing Carrots’ vocal range test to determine your range and compare it with Susan Boyle’s range.
  4. Work on your vocal registers and ensure a smooth transition between them. Singing Carrots’ article on voice registers and vocal breaks can provide valuable insights on this topic.
  5. Practice the song phrase by phrase, paying attention to the dynamics, pitch accuracy, and emotional expression.
  6. Utilize Singing Carrots’ Pitch Training tool to improve your pitch accuracy and vocal agility.
  7. Record yourself singing the song and listen to the playback. This will help you identify areas that need improvement and refine your performance.

Related Songs with Similar Vocal Technique

The belting technique used by Susan Boyle in “I Dreamed a Dream” can also be found in other popular songs. Here are a few examples:

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

These songs provide an excellent opportunity to practice and further develop your belting technique.

Wrap-up

Learning to sing “I Dreamed a Dream” by Susan Boyle is a rewarding journey that allows you to explore the power of belting and emotional expression in your vocal performance. Remember to warm up properly, practice vocal techniques, and utilize the resources provided by Singing Carrots to enhance your singing abilities.

Happy singing!