How to Learn Singing “You Take My Breath Away” from Eva Cassidy

How to Learn Singing “You Take My Breath Away” by Eva Cassidy

If you’re a fan of Eva Cassidy’s soulful voice and want to learn how to sing her iconic song “You Take My Breath Away,” you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of mastering this beautiful piece and provide you with practical tips and resources from Singing Carrots to help you along the way.

Understanding the Vocal Technique

One of the unique vocal techniques used in “You Take My Breath Away” is the use of dynamic control and emotional expression. Eva Cassidy effortlessly transitions between soft, delicate moments and powerful, emotive phrases, creating an intimate and captivating performance.

This technique of controlling dynamics can also be found in other popular songs like “Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland and “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. Studying these songs can provide insights into how to effectively convey emotions through your voice.

Tips for Learning the Song

To learn “You Take My Breath Away” and master its unique vocal technique, follow these steps:

  1. Analyze Your Voice: Before diving into the song, take some time to understand your voice type and vocal range. Singing Carrots’ Vocal Range Test can help you identify your vocal capabilities and determine the key that suits your voice best.
  2. Listen and Study: Start by listening to Eva Cassidy’s original version of the song. Pay close attention to her phrasing, dynamics, and emotional nuances. This will give you a solid foundation to build upon.
  3. Breathing and Support: Proper breath support is crucial for executing the dynamic control in this song. Familiarize yourself with the basics of breathing and breath support to ensure you have the foundation for a powerful and controlled vocal performance.
  4. Articulation: Emphasize clear diction and articulate each word to convey the emotions effectively. Singing Carrots’ article on articulation provides valuable tips to enhance your clarity and precision.
  5. Practice with Vocal Exercises: Singing Carrots’ Pitch Training offers interactive vocal warm-ups, pitch visualization, and exercises for range and agility. These exercises will help you develop the strength and flexibility of your voice required for singing “You Take My Breath Away” with ease.
  6. Study the Song Structure: Break down the song into sections, paying attention to the phrasing, dynamics, and emotional shifts. Singing Carrots’ article on how to learn a song effectively provides valuable insights and techniques for effective song learning.
  7. Record and Evaluate: Record yourself singing the song and listen back to identify areas that need improvement. Compare your performance to Eva Cassidy’s rendition and make adjustments accordingly.

Remember that learning any song requires patience, practice, and perseverance. Be kind to yourself and enjoy the journey of discovering your voice through this beautiful piece.

Resources

Here are some resources from Singing Carrots that can further enhance your learning experience:

  • Vocal Range Test: Determine your vocal range and compare it with famous singers.
  • Pitch Training: Interactive vocal warm-ups, pitch visualizer, and exercises for range and agility.
  • Song Search: Search for songs by vocal range to find more songs that suit your voice.