Marty Haugen is an American liturgical composer, author, and performing artist. His songs are a staple of worship in Catholic parishes, and he has a signature style that emphasizes simplicity, accessibility, and memorable melodies. To learn how to sing in his style, it is important to first understand his unique approach to voice leading, harmonization, and instrumentation.

One of Haugen's signature vocal techniques is his use of simple, easily-singable melodies that remain within a limited range. His songs often use repetition and call-and-response structures to allow even those with limited vocal ranges to join in and sing along. The goal of this approach is to create a sense of community and participation, rather than showcasing individual vocal ability.

To begin learning Haugen's style, it's important to start with simple warm-ups that emphasize range and control. Singing Carrots offers a vocal range test as well as pitch accuracy tests to help assess where your voice is at and what areas you need to focus on. The singing course also offers a range of exercises and tips to improve vocal control and range.

In terms of unique musical elements, Haugen often employs a variety of instrumentation in his liturgical music, including guitar, piano, and brass. This adds richness and depth to his compositions and can make them more enjoyable to sing and listen to. To get a sense of his style, it's recommended to listen to his song "Gather Us In," which features a memorable melody over simple piano accompaniment.

When learning to sing like Haugen, it's also important to pay attention to diction and phrasing. As he often sets religious texts to music, it's essential to enunciate clearly and convey the meaning of the words through your singing. Singing Carrots offers resources on articulation that can be helpful in this regard.

Finally, it's worth noting that Haugen's style is often described as "earnest" or "sincere," with lyrics that focus on community, love, and spirituality. To sing his songs effectively, it's important to tap into the emotional core of the music and perform with authenticity and feeling. Singing Carrots offers resources on stage fright and performing tips to help you connect with the emotional content of the music and deliver it effectively.

By focusing on simplicity, community, and authenticity, Haugen's style offers a unique approach to liturgical music that is both accessible and moving. With a focus on vocal control, diction, and emotional performance, you can learn to sing like Marty Haugen and bring his uplifting music to your church or community.