Debbye C. Graafsma, famous for her work as a singer, vocal coach, and actress, is best known for her role as Lily St. Regis in the original Broadway production of Annie. Many aspiring singers look up to her for her velvety voice and impressive range. If you want to learn to sing like Debbye C. Graafsma, there are several steps you can take to help you sound like this talented artist. Here is a detailed guide:

Step 1: Range

The first step in singing like Graafsma is exploring your vocal range with Singing Carrots’s Vocal Range Test. Graafsma is known for her impressive 3 octave range, so it’s essential to determine your range’s extent to know how much work you need to do and how to approach it. Pay attention to the highest and lowest notes, listen and confirm them on the virtual piano of the Vocal Pitch Monitor.

Step 2: Warm-up and Technique

Next, work on developing a full and rich sound. To do this, use Singing Carrots’s Pitch Training, starting with the “Farinelli Breathing” video. This exercise emphasizes proper breathing techniques and warm-up singing exercises, which are crucial for developing your tone, breath support, and pitch accuracy.

Further, watch the videos on Chest Voice Explained and Voice Break, to learn how to go from chest voice to a mixed range during vocal breaks. This technique, combined with the Chest Voice/Voice Registers exercise, will help you perfect the fullness of your sound.

For proper articulation, watch the Finger Bite video and practice accordingly.

Finally, to master vibrato, Beggar’s Bounce and Diaphragm Bounce videos will be great help.

Step 3: Emulation

Once you’ve developed your technique and warmed up, start emulating Debbye’s voice by listening to her songs. Her velvet voice is distinctive, so pay particular attention to her vocal placement, articulation, and vibrato. Songbook might also come in handy, allowing you to find songs matching your vocal range, difficulty, and genre preference. Your vocal coach might point you to a few of these songs, such as “I Want Your Love” from Bubblin' Brown Sugar or “Easy to be Hard” from Hair.

Step 4: Vocal health and confidence

Be sure to take care of your vocal health and prepare for performing on stage, if that’s your goal. Singing Carrots offers many related articles, from posture and breath support to how to overcome stage fright. Remember, good vocal health creates healthy habits!

With these tips and Singing Carrots’ comprehensive resources, you will be well on your way to singing like Debbye C. Graafsma. Start working on perfecting your range and technique, emulate Debbye's vocal style, and practice frequently to achieve success.