How to Learn Singing Michael Jackson’s “In the Closet”
Singing a song like “In the Closet” by Michael Jackson requires not only a strong vocal technique but also a deep understanding of the unique style and artistry of the King of Pop himself. In this article, we will guide you through the process of learning and mastering this iconic song, highlighting the vocal techniques employed by Michael Jackson and providing practical advice along the way.
Understanding the Song
“In the Closet” is a sensuous and hypnotic R&B track from Michael Jackson’s 1991 album, “Dangerous.” It showcases the singer’s incredible vocal range and control, as well as his ability to effortlessly blend different vocal registers.
The song features a unique vocal technique known as vocal whispered tones. This technique involves singing with a breathy and soft tone while maintaining control and precision. It adds a certain intimacy and vulnerability to the performance, enhancing the emotions conveyed in the song.
It is worth noting that similar vocal techniques can be heard in other popular songs by Michael Jackson, such as “Man in the Mirror” and “Butterflies.” These songs also emphasize the use of whispered and intimate vocal tones to create a captivating and emotional musical experience.
Getting Started
Before diving into learning the song, it is essential to warm up your voice properly. Singing Carrots offers a valuable resource, the Pitch Training – Educational Singing Game, which provides interactive vocal warm-ups and exercises to help you prepare your voice for singing.
Additionally, it is important to have a good understanding of your vocal range. You can utilize the Vocal Range Test provided by Singing Carrots to determine your vocal range and compare it with famous singers, including Michael Jackson himself.
Mastering the Vocal Technique
One of the key elements of singing “In the Closet” is to master the whispered vocal tones used by Michael Jackson. Singing Carrots offers a helpful article on vocal distortion, which explains techniques to achieve variations in vocal tone and texture.
Additionally, proper breath support is crucial in executing the correct vocal technique. Singing Carrots provides detailed information on breath support and breathing basics to help you develop the necessary skills for singing “In the Closet” effectively.
Learning the Song
To learn the song, it is essential to break it down into smaller sections and practice each part separately. Focus on the vocal melody, rhythm, and dynamics of the song, paying close attention to the nuances and phrasing that give it its unique character.
As you practice, consider utilizing the Vocal Pitch Monitor provided by Singing Carrots. This tool allows you to visualize your sung notes on a virtual piano, helping you refine your pitch accuracy and improve your overall performance.
Furthermore, Singing Carrots offers a comprehensive song search feature that helps you find songs that match your vocal range, difficulty level, and genre preference. You can search for similar songs to “In the Closet” to expand your repertoire and explore different vocal styles.
Bringing it All Together
Once you feel confident with the vocal technique and have mastered the song’s individual parts, it’s time to bring everything together for a polished performance. Singing Carrots provides a wide range of resources, including lyrics, sheet music, chords, and karaoke tracks, in their song-book feature.
Remember to use proper articulation techniques, as discussed in the Singing Carrots article on articulation, to ensure that your words are clear and easily understood.
Conclusion
Learning to sing “In the Closet” is an exciting and rewarding journey that allows you to delve into the unique vocal techniques of Michael Jackson. By understanding the song, mastering the vocal technique, and utilizing the resources provided by Singing Carrots, you can enhance your singing skills and bring your performance to the next level.