Singing Guide: Sheryl Lee Ralph
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Are you looking to expand your singing range and build better vocal control, power, and technique? Then the renowned singer and actress, Sheryl Lee Ralph, is someone to emulate. Ralph is a celebrated Broadway performer who has appeared in Dreamgirls, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Wicked among others. In this article, we'll unpack some vocal techniques and insights that make Ralph a beloved performer, and how you can incorporate them into your singing for better vocal skills.
- Develop Your Chest Voice: Sheryl Lee Ralph is known for her controlled chest voice, a resonant depth of tone that many aspiring singers find difficult to master. It is important to learn how to develop your chest voice which sits in your lower range. This informative video introduces key concepts that help singers develop their chest voice Singing Comfort Zone.
Master Belting: Belting is a technique used by many musical theater singers, especially for climactic moments of a song. Sheryl Lee Ralph has mastered belting and uses it to great effect in performances. For exercise in belting, we suggest this video on How to Twang Exercise, which teaches you the basics of belting. - Proper Breathing Technique: Singing relies on proper breathing techniques to sustain long notes and convey emotion in your performances. Ralph is known for using passive breathing techniques to great effect; this technique described in this article on Active and Passive Breathing can help you improve your breath control.
- Vocal Warm-Ups: Vocal warm-ups are essential for maintaining a healthy voice and improving your range. This 3 Minute Warm Up video can help you start your daily routine and prepare you for singing sessions.
- Finding Your Voice: Like many performers, Ralph found her unique voice by practicing and experimenting. This Singing Carrots article offers tips on how to explore and find your distinct voice.
- Singing with Emotion: Singing with emotion is an essential aspect of musical theatre. Ralph has shared some tips on performing and how to connect with your listeners in this video on relaxing breaths.
- Song Selection: Aspiring singers should select songs that demonstrate their vocal strength and style. Singing Carrots offers the capability to search for songs based on your vocal range, genre preference, and skill level. You can easily find a repertoire that helps you focus on mastering the vocal techniques that you admire in Sheryl Lee Ralph's performances.
By incorporating these techniques and insights into your singing practice, you can develop your own unique sound and take your performance abilities to the next level. What did you think of these tips? Do you have any other suggestions for singing like Sheryl Lee Ralph? Let us know in the comments below!