Singing Guide: Dara MacLean
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Dara MacLean - How to Improve Your Singing Skills
Methodology
Breathing and Posture
Breathing is crucial for a strong voice. In "Breathing Basics" article, Singing Carrots explains that breath support is the key to strong singing. Paying attention to your posture while you sing also helps support good breath control. Here's a warm-up: Farinelli Breathing Exercise
Vocal Register and Pitch Agility
In "Voice Registers & Vocal Break" article, Singing Carrots explains that vocal registers are the different groups of muscles used to produce sound and how to shift between them smoothly. In "Pitch Training" section, Vocal agility and pitch accuracy are trained together in the treble clef exercises.
Emotion Expression
In "Singing with intuition, skills, emotion, and thinking" article, Singing Carrots discusses the importance of focusing on the emotional connection between the singer and the song. It's essential to feel the song's message within yourself for the audience to feel and connect with it as well.
Unique Sounds
One of the most distinctive features found in Dara MacLean's music is her signature growls. In "Vocal Distortion & Growling" article, Singing Carrots detailed how to practice safely the various kinds of vocal distortion like growling, scream, grunt, and more.
Vibrato
Vibrato is defined as a slight variation in pitch and is a desirable vocal quality that adds warmth and depth to a voice. Dara MacLean uses vibrato effectively to enhance her distinctive sound. Check out these two fundamental vibrato exercises: Beggars Bounce and Diaphragm Bounce
Highlighted Songs
| Song Name | Technique Highlighted |
|---|---|
| Yours Forever | Climactic vocal runs |
| Suitcases | The growl on the delightful belt |
| Wanted | Uniquely powerful and lifted chest voice |
| Blameless | Wide and effortless vocal range |
| Home | Extraordinary emotive connection |
Tools on Singing Carrots
Singing Carrots provides a vocal range test, which can help you analyze your voice and determine your range. The Vocal Range Test assesses your vocal range compared to well-known singers.
The Search Songs by Vocal Range tool then helps you find songs that match your range, genre preference, and difficulty. Additionally, you can find over 5,000 famous singers' vocal ranges on the Artist Vocal Ranges page.
If you are interested in taking a singing course or trying out different exercises and games, the Educational Singing Course offers a 21-lesson program on singing theory and practical tips. There is also the Pitch Training singing game to help develop your pitch accuracy.
Bottom Line
Dara MacLean's strong voice and unique vocal techniques are the key to the artist's recognizable sound. Focus on breathing, pitch agility, emotion expression and unique sounds to train your voice like Dara. Use Singing Carrots' tools and resources to match your vocal range and preferences to enhance your singing experience.