Singing Guide: Black Orpheus

Singing Guide: Black Orpheus

Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources

Are you a beginner or advanced singer?

Are you looking to learn how to sing like the legendary Brazilian guitarist João Gilberto, who popularized the sound of Bossa Nova in the late 1950s? This is a unique style that requires a good understanding of rhythm and timing, as well as a smooth and gentle approach to singing.

To start, it's important to listen to some of João Gilberto's most famous songs, such as "The Girl from Ipanema" and "Chega de Saudade," paying close attention to his timing and phrasing. One of the most important techniques to learn is the Bossa Nova rhythm, which is a syncopated style that incorporates both guitar and voice.

To work on timing and rhythm, Singing Carrots offers a variety of tools such as the Pitch Training game, which includes exercises for rhythm and pitch training, as well as the Vocal Range Test, which can help you find the right key for your voice. They also offer an extensive list of songs to search for in your vocal range, which can help you practice your pitch and timing.

Another important aspect of singing Bossa Nova is breath control and softness of voice. Singing Carrots provides useful resources on proper breath support, including breathing basics and active vs. passive breathing.

To achieve the unique sound of João Gilberto, singers often utilize a technique called "whisper singing," which involves singing in a hushed and breathy tone. Singing Carrots offers many breathing exercises, including the Farinelli Breathing exercise, which can help develop your breath control and support.

In addition, Singing Carrots provides articles on other relevant topics such as avoiding constrictions, resonance in singing, and singing with emotion. It's worth checking out these articles to better understand how to get your voice to sound the way you want.

Lastly, it's important to remember that practice is key. Learning how to sing like João Gilberto takes time and effort, but with dedication and hard work, anyone can achieve this unique style. With Singing Carrots' educational singing course and resources, you can make huge strides towards achieving your vocal goals.

I hope this article is helpful to you in your journey to learn how to sing like João Gilberto, and good luck on your musical endeavors!

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