Singing Guide: Cats (Musical)
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Learning to sing like a Broadway legend
Cats, the beloved musical, has been an audience favorite since its first performance in 1981. With music written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by T.S. Eliot, it's no surprise that fans can't get enough of this classic. In this article, we'll explore the unique vocal techniques and songs associated with Cats and provide practical advice and Singing Carrots resources so you can learn to sing like a Broadway legend.
Vocal Techniques
The vocal style of Cats is challenging, as the songs require a range of vocal techniques. The show is particularly demanding on the chest, mix, and head registers of a singer's voice. If you want to learn to sing like a Cat, you need to be comfortable moving between registers and finding your mix. To do this, you can try Singing Carrots' Pitch Training game, which has several exercises dedicated to using your chest and mix voice.
Another technique essential to the Cats vocal style is the use of vibrato. Vibrato is a pulse in a singer's voice that gives each note an added depth and resonance. Cats is known for its use of vibrato in both solo and group numbers. For tips on how to achieve vibrato effectively, check out this informative article - Singing with Vibrato.
Cats Songs
One of the standout songs in the show is "Memory" which is sung by the character of Grizabella. This powerful ballad requires a singer to bring out the emotional core of the lyrics. To learn how to do this and perform an authentic interpretation, follow the advice in this article - How to find your Own Authentic Voice. Other popular songs from Cats include "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats," "The Rum Tum Tugger," and "Mr. Mistoffelees." Each song presents unique demands and challenges, ranging from high notes to fast-paced lyrics.
Resources
To help with Cats-style singing, the Singing Carrots website has several excellent resources. One of the most useful is the Vocal Range Test, which will help you identify your unique range in comparison to the famous vocalists. Understanding your range is essential for nailing the Cats vocal style. The Pitch Accuracy Test is an excellent tool as well, since it focuses on hitting accurate notes - something that's vital in the show's challenging score.
For those looking for in-depth singing lessons, Singing Carrots offers a comprehensive online course. The 21-lesson program will teach you everything you need to know to take your singing to the next level. From vocal warm-ups to pitch visualizers, the course covers all the techniques needed to sing like a Broadway legend.
Conclusion
Singing like a performer from Cats is a challenging but deeply rewarding experience. With the right techniques and plenty of practice, you can master the unique vocal style that makes this Broadway classic an audience favorite. Use the tools and resources provided by Singing Carrots, and you too can learn to sing like a Cat!