Singing Guide: South Pacific
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
South Pacific is a classic musical featuring popular songs like "Some Enchanted Evening" and "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair". The lead role, Nellie Forbush, is famously portrayed by Mary Martin. If you're looking to learn how to sing like Nellie Forbush, there are a few key techniques to focus on.
First, work on breath control and support. Nellie has many sustained notes in her songs, and being able to sustain a note requires good breath support. Singing exercises like the Farinelli Breathing exercise can help you improve your breath control.
Nellie also uses a lot of vibrato in her singing. To learn how to use vibrato effectively, Singing Carrots offers a video tutorial on "Singing with Vibrato" that can be helpful. Additionally, articulation is important for projecting words clearly, so practice the "Finger Bite" exercise linked in the resources.
Finally, posture is key to singing Nellie's big numbers with power and clarity. Make sure to check out Singing Carrots' video on "Good Singing Posture" to ensure you are maintaining proper form.
To really get into character, it's also worth exploring some of the cultural background behind South Pacific's story and setting. Consider researching the musical's history and the emotional themes of characters like Nellie to bring a deeper understanding to your singing.
Don't forget to utilize Singing Carrots' other resources, such as the vocal range test and pitch accuracy test, to help you find songs that match your vocal range and improve your pitch accuracy. And if you're serious about enhancing your singing, Singing Carrots also offers a 21-lesson singing course covering theory and practical tips.
With the right techniques and a true passion for singing, you can aspire to perform like Mary Martin in the unforgettable role of Nellie Forbush.