How to Learn to Sing Enya’s “Only Time”
Singing Enya’s “Only Time” can be a beautiful and fulfilling experience. In this article, we will guide you through the process of learning and performing this iconic song. We will also highlight the unique vocal technique used by Enya and mention other popular songs where similar techniques are employed.
Understanding Enya’s Vocal Technique
Enya is known for her ethereal and haunting vocal style. In “Only Time,” she uses a technique called “breathy vocalization.” This involves singing with a relaxed and almost whispery tone, allowing air to flow through the vocal cords. This creates a delicate and dreamy sound that is characteristic of Enya’s music.
To master this technique, it is important to focus on breath control and maintaining a light, airy tone. Singing exercises that emphasize breath support, such as the “Farinelli Breathing” exercise, can be very helpful. You can find a demonstration of this exercise here.
Learning the Song
Before diving into learning the entire song, it is crucial to start with small sections and gradually build up. Begin by analyzing the melody and lyrics. Singing Carrots offers a helpful guide on how to analyze your voice, which you can access here.
Focus on mastering the melody first. Start with the opening notes and practice singing them accurately. The Singing Carrots pitch accuracy test, available here, can help you assess and improve your pitch accuracy.
Once you are comfortable with the melody, work on phrasing and dynamics. Enya’s songs often have subtle variations in volume and expression. An article on effective song learning techniques can be found here.
Resources to Enhance Your Performance
Singing Carrots offers various resources that can further enhance your performance of “Only Time.”
- Use the Vocal Pitch Monitor here to visualize your sung notes on a virtual piano and ensure accuracy.
- The Pitch Training section, accessible here, provides interactive vocal warm-ups, exercises for range and agility, and a pitch visualizer.
- Search for other songs matching your vocal range, difficulty, and genre preference using the Song Search tool here.
- Explore the vocal ranges of famous singers, including Enya, using the Artist Vocal Ranges feature here.
- If you’re new to singing or want to improve your skills, consider enrolling in the Singing Carrots online singing course here.
Conclusion
Learning to sing Enya’s “Only Time” can be a rewarding journey. By understanding Enya’s unique vocal technique, practicing small sections of the song, and utilizing Singing Carrots’ resources, you can master this beautiful piece. Remember to focus on breath control, accuracy, and emotional expression to truly capture the essence of Enya’s music. Enjoy your singing journey!
If you need more information on any specific vocal technique mentioned in this article, feel free to check out the relevant articles and demonstration videos provided above.