How to Learn Singing “That’s What Friends Are For” by Burt Bacharach
In this article, we will guide you on how to learn singing the song “That’s What Friends Are For” by Burt Bacharach. This iconic song, recorded by Dionne Warwick and featured in the movie “Night Shift”, is a beautiful ballad that is beloved by many. It showcases Bacharach’s unique songwriting style and requires a warm and heartfelt vocal delivery.
1. Familiarize Yourself with the Song
The first step in learning any song is to listen to it multiple times. Pay close attention to the melody, lyrics, and overall structure of the song. This will help you understand the emotional depth and nuances of the song, allowing you to better convey the meaning and emotion when you sing it.
2. Vocal Technique: Breath Control
“That’s What Friends Are For” requires good breath control to deliver the long sustained phrases. To improve your breath control, you can try the breath support exercises provided by Singing Carrots. These exercises will help strengthen your diaphragm and teach you how to control your breath effectively while singing.
3. Vocal Technique: Vibrato
The song features sections where a smooth and controlled vibrato is essential for adding expression and richness to your singing. Watch the video tutorial on Singing Carrots, Singing with Vibrato, to learn how to develop and incorporate vibrato into your singing.
4. Song Analysis and Interpretation
Before you start singing, spend some time analyzing the lyrics and understanding the story behind the song. This will help you connect with the emotions and convey them authentically. Read the article on Singing Carrots, How to Analyze Your Voice, to learn techniques for interpreting songs effectively.
5. Practice and Vocal Warm-ups
Singing warm-ups are essential to prepare your voice before practicing the song. Singing Carrots offers a pitch training game that includes vocal warm-ups and exercises specifically designed to improve your pitch accuracy and vocal range. Incorporate these warm-up exercises into your practice routine to keep your voice in good shape.
6. Song Performance
When performing “That’s What Friends Are For”, focus on delivering the song with emotion and sincerity. Pay attention to your phrasing, dynamics, and overall vocal control. Remember to use proper mouth and throat placement techniques to achieve a full, resonant sound. Singing Carrots’ vocal health tips will help you maintain a healthy voice while practicing and performing.
7. Related Vocal Techniques
The unique vocal technique used in “That’s What Friends Are For” is known as belting. This technique is also used in other popular songs such as “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston and “Chandelier” by Sia. If you want to explore this technique further, check out the article on Singing Carrots, Contemporary Vocal Techniques: Heavy Modal, Twang, Belting.
Learning a new song takes time and dedication. By following these steps and utilizing the resources provided by Singing Carrots, you will be well on your way to mastering “That’s What Friends Are For” and enhancing your singing skills. Remember to have fun and enjoy the process!