David Haskell: Singing Techniques and Skills

David Haskell possesses an impressive range and unique tonality. In this article, we will analyze into his singing techniques, and skills that can be learned from him.

David Haskell is known for his portrayal of John Hinckley Jr. in Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins. He also starred in the original cast of Jesus Christ Superstar. But his first appearance on Broadway was Hair: The American Tribal Love Rock Musical. Haskell’s high pitch and tenor vocal ranges, along with his vocal agility and control, make him an inspiration for progressive rock bands as well as musical theatre.

Ron Meyer, Haskell’s voice teacher, can reveal some of his singing methods. One of his signature techniques was to use a "closed ooh" vowel sound to approach higher notes in the mix register. For instance, the chorus of "Gethsemane" from Jesus Christ Superstar, showcases this technique. Practicing this technique paired with good breathing habits and the correct diaphragmatic breathing will help you attain Haskell's vocal sophistication.

Practice the technique by selecting one of the online vocal training platforms, such as Pitch Training - Educational Singing Game. The game can help you to exercise your pitch accuracy, practice warm-ups, and identify areas to work on. Furthermore, the Vocal range test can help you to explore your dominant vocal type. Once you improve with pitch accuracy, you can experiment with Heavy Modal, Belting, and Twang voice distortions as David Haskell did. To continue enhancing your vocal skills, you can practice breathing with Farinelli Breathing, and master your voice registers with Singing Comfort Zone and Mixed Voice.

Remember, a critical aspect of good singing is maintaining good health, such as drinking enough water and cutting down on smoking and caffeine. Therefore make sure to read our comprehensive vocal health guide to prevent damage and maintain healthy habits for your vocal cords.

Now you know the key practices that will help to develop your singing techniques like David Haskell. With practice, and by exploring the various tools available for singers, such as Singing Carrots, you can improve upon your vocal range, pitch, and agility. Happy singing!