Singing Guide: Stephen Bogardus
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
If you're a fan of Broadway musicals, you know Stephen Bogardus. The versatile tenor with a 30-year career has appeared in some of the biggest hits on Broadway, like "Falsettos", "Love! Valour! Compassion!" and "The Secret Garden". Besides his acting abilities, Bogardus is known for his vocal range, which seamlessly transitions from high to low effortlessly.
In this article, we'll dive deep into Stephen Bogardus' singing technique and provide some tips and tricks for singers who want to emulate his style. We'll examine his vocal range, enunciation, breath control, and vocal warm-up routines.
Technique Insights
Stephen Bogardus' unique singing style can be attributed to his exceptional voice control and precise enunciation. When listening to his performances, you'll notice his effortless transition from high to low ranges. This is because he focuses on proper vocal technique, such as breathing, opening and relaxing the throat, and maintaining good posture. During live performances, he suggests using in-ear monitors to better hear and control his pitch and tone.
Famous songs
Stephen sings songs that showcase his vocal range, unique timbre, and precise diction. Here are some of his most notable songs that can serve as inspiration for singers:
- "Stephanie" from "Falsettos": This song is a perfect example of Bogardus' range and control. The song requires a smooth vocal transition between a high falsetto and a lower register.
- "Let's Work Together" from "Love! Valour! Compassion!": In this upbeat number, Bogardus showcases his natural energy and control on faster tempos.
- "Lily's Eyes" from "The Secret Garden": In this emotional ballad where he duets with another performer, Stephen's versatility shines through in expressing the song's emotional content.
Practical Advice
To emulate Stephen Bogardus' singing style, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, work on proper breathing and diaphragm control through exercises such as the Farinelli breathing exercises. Next, practice vowel sounds and articulation with finger biting exercises. Finally, experiment with creating a good mix voice by moving from chest to head voices, as demonstrated in the "Singing Comfort Zone" exercise video.
Besides these exercises, Singing Carrots also provides resources such as the Vocal Pitch Monitor, Pitch Accuracy Test, and Vocal Range Test for singers to train their voice and keep track of their progress.
With these insights and practices, you're on your way to developing a singing style like Stephen Bogardus.