Singing Guide: La Cage Aux Folles
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
La Cage aux Folles is a beautiful musical that has delighted audiences worldwide since 1983. Originally a French play, it tells the story of Georges, the owner of a popular nightclub in Saint-Tropez, and his partner Albin, a drag queen who is the star of the show. The couple faces challenges when Georges' son, Jean-Michel, decides to marry the daughter of a conservative politician who is campaigning to "clean up" the town's nightlife.
One of the most distinctive aspects of La Cage aux Folles is Albin's unique vocal technique, characterized by a flamboyant style, high-pitched notes, and vibrato. To learn singing like Albin, it is essential to master skills such as pitch accuracy, vibrato, vocal range, and breath control.
Beginner singers should start with Singing Carrot's Vocal Range Test, which assesses their unique vocal range and compares it to famous singers. Then, they can move on to the Pitch Accuracy Test, which is a fantastic tool to improve their pitch and develop a better perception of music. Singing Carrot's Vocal Pitch Monitor is also a great asset for singers to receive real-time feedback on their pitch accuracy and technique.
Warm-up exercises and breath support are also crucial in developing a singing voice like Albin's. Experts from Singing Carrots provide a series of skill-related videos to help singers perfect these techniques. For example, the Farinelli Breathing exercise is an excellent way to strengthen your voice and control your breath support.
For students who want to learn Albin's flamboyant style, the Contemporary Vocal Techniques: Heavy modal, Twang, Belting article is one of the most helpful resources available. It breaks down the techniques required to produce Albin's unique sound and provides practical tips that help singers take their performances to the next level.
Finally, it's important to practice songs that showcase Albin's signature style, such as "I Am What I Am" and "The Best of Times." Singing Carrot's tool for searching songs by vocal range is perfect for the task as it can help you find songs that suit your range and vocal style.
In summary, learning how to sing like Albin requires a combination of skills such as pitch accuracy, vibrato, and breath control. Singing Carrots' resources provide all the necessary tools and knowledge to help beginners and experts alike learn to sing La Cage aux Folles' most beloved songs.