How to Learn Ella Fitzgerald’s “I’m Beginning to See the Light”
Learning a new song can be an exciting and fulfilling experience for singers of all levels. In this article, we will explore the process of learning and mastering Ella Fitzgerald’s classic jazz tune, “I’m Beginning to See the Light.” This song showcases Ella’s incredible vocal technique and musicality, making it a perfect choice for singers looking to improve their jazz singing skills.
The Unique Vocal Technique in “I’m Beginning to See the Light”
One of the standout elements in Ella Fitzgerald’s rendition of “I’m Beginning to See the Light” is her impeccable scat singing. Scat singing is a vocal technique where the singer improvises using nonsensical syllables and rhythmic patterns. It requires a strong sense of rhythm, creativity, and the ability to think on your feet.
To effectively learn and incorporate scat singing into your performance of “I’m Beginning to See the Light,” we recommend starting with the Singing Carrots resource on how to learn a song effectively. This article provides valuable tips and techniques to guide you through the learning process.
Practical Advice for Learning the Song
Here are some practical steps to help you learn “I’m Beginning to See the Light” and incorporate Ella Fitzgerald’s unique vocal technique:
- Listen and Study: Begin by listening to Ella Fitzgerald’s version of the song multiple times. Pay close attention to her phrasing, dynamics, and scat singing passages. You can find Ella’s performance of the song here.
- Analyze the Song: Take advantage of the Singing Carrots resource on how to analyze your voice to understand the melody, structure, and key elements of “I’m Beginning to See the Light.”
- Practice Vocal Technique: Work on specific vocal techniques required for this song. The Singing Carrots website offers various exercises and warm-ups to develop your voice. For example, you can improve your pitch accuracy or train your pitch using their interactive tools.
- Learn Scat Singing: Dive into scat singing by watching videos on Singing Carrots that focus on specific vocal techniques. Study the Twang exercise to add a unique vocal color to your scatting. Additionally, you can explore scat singing exercises like the Growling exercise and Vibrato exercises.
- Refine Your Performance: As you practice, focus on incorporating all the elements you’ve learned. Pay attention to your breath support, vocal range, and interpretation of the lyrics. Utilize the Singing Carrots resource on how to find your own authentic voice for tips on developing your unique singing style.
Other Songs with Similar Vocal Techniques
“I’m Beginning to See the Light” is not the only song that features scat singing. Ella Fitzgerald, being a master of this technique, has performed scat vocals in many of her popular songs. Some noteworthy examples include: