Learning to Sing “She Used to Be Mine” from Waitress: The Musical
“She Used to Be Mine” is a powerful ballad from Waitress: The Musical composed by Sara Bareilles. The song is filled with heartfelt emotion and deep introspection, making it a favorite among many singers. Let us explore how to master this beautiful piece by focusing on its unique vocal technique and applying key resources from Singing Carrots.
Understanding and Emulating Vocal Techniques
The distinctiveness of “She Used To Be Mine” lies in its emotive and technically challenging vocal style. The song heavily utilizes belting, a popular technique in musical theatre. It essentially involves singing high notes with the power of the chest voice. This technique is also found in songs like “Defying Gravity” from Wicked or “Let It Go” from Frozen.
Before attempting to belt, it’s crucial to understand your voice type and vocal range. Knowing your limitation will help you sing with power without straining your voice.
Learning the Song
To effectively learn “She Used to Be Mine”, there are several steps you can take. A great start would be utilizing the tips provided by Singing Carrots on how to learn a song effectively.
Also, consider analyzing Sara Bareilles’ live performances. Watching her facial expressions, breathing patterns, and vowel shapes will offer valuable insights. Make use of the Vocal Pitch Monitor to check the sung notes accurately and the Pitch accuracy test to ensure you’re hitting the right notes.
Practical Advice & Resources
As you seek to perfect this song, here are some practical tips:
- Warm up before singing with exercises like 3 Minute Warm-Up.
- Practice proper breath support and maintain a good singing posture, both of which are key when belting.
- Stay connected with your emotions. Authenticity adds depth to your performance. Read Singing Carrots’ blog about Singing with emotion for advice.
- Articulate the lyrics clearly. Proper articulation enhances story-telling in a song.
Finally, don’t forget the importance of taking care of your vocal health. Avoid any strain and if needed, seek guidance from an experienced voice coach. Happy singing!