Singing Guide: Joel Raney
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Joel Raney is a contemporary Christian composer, arranger, and pianist who has written over 1,000 compositions and arrangements. He is known for his ability to blend various styles — from classical to gospel to contemporary pop. Raney has numerous solo releases and duet works with artists like Mary McDonald, and his work has been performed by well-known groups such as the Washington Choral Arts Society and MIT Women's Chorale.
If you're looking to learn how to sing like Joel Raney, you'll need to develop a clear understanding of choral singing. Raney is primarily involved in choral composition, and his works are often performed in a traditional choral setting. Understanding this context is essential, as Raney's melodies, harmonies, and structures were designed for choir ensembles.
To begin, work on your breathing technique and overall vocal control. Raney's vocal melodies often span a variety of ranges and require smooth transitions between notes, making breath control critical to achieving a cohesive sound.
Raney's choral compositions often feature dynamic shifts between sections, so it's essential to develop a strong sense of rhythm and timing. Practice scales and vocal exercises to improve your ability to stay in tempo and keep up with the rest of the ensemble.
To get a better understanding of Joel Raney's style, listen to some of his work such as "We Are the Church" or "What Wondrous Love Is This".
For further resources, Singing Carrots offers a vocal range test to help you identify your vocal abilities, and the vocal pitch monitor will allow you to see your sung notes on a virtual piano.
Additionally, check out the breathing and voice registers articles on Singing Carrots, which can help you build your vocal control and better execute Raney's challenging arrangements.
Looking to expand your vocal range, pitch accuracy, and overall performing skills? Check out the courses and exercises available on Singing Carrots to help you grow as a singer.