Singing Guide: Surfaces & Elton John
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Elton John's unique vocal technique is defined by his incredible range of singing voice, his use of piano playing to accompany his voice and his sharp sense of musical arrangement. Known for his flamboyant style, and strongly influenced by rock and roll, Elton John is a master of creating dynamic soundscapes that make his music immediately recognizable.
If you want to learn how to sing like Elton John, you'll need to study his vocal style and musical arrangements, and practice regularly. Here are some tips and resources to get you started:
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Study Elton John's music: One of the best ways to learn any artist's vocal technique is to study their music. Elton John's music is available on many websites, including Singing Carrots' song search feature. Focus on his signature songs, such as "Rocket Man", "Tiny Dancer", and "Your Song", and listen closely to his vocal range, phrasing, and dynamics.
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Practice vocal warm-ups: Elton John's music demands a high level of vocal range and control, so it's essential to warm up before singing. You can use Singing Carrots' Pitch Training - Educational Singing Game and take the Vocal range test to determine your vocal range. Use the Farinelli Breathing exercise, 3 Minute Warm Up, and Humming to warm up your voice, and perform breathing exercises such as breath support and resonance in singing to improve your voice quality.
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Master the piano: A significant part of Elton John's singing style involves playing the piano while singing. Learning to play the piano will help you understand the harmonic structures of his music and give you greater control over dynamics, chord voicings, and melody. You can find great lessons on Singing Carrots' Educational singing course.
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Learn how to arrange music: A crucial part of Elton John's signature style is his ability to arrange music effectively. You can learn music arrangement tips and tricks on Singing Carrots' song search, which will allow you to arrange cover versions of his music in your unique style.
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Use breathing techniques to support your voice: Elton John is known for his powerful voice and ability to sustain high notes. Ensure that you warm up your voice thoroughly before attempting to sing higher notes. Implement techniques such as breath support, resonance in singing, and active/passive breathing to support your voice.
By taking the right steps and practicing regularly, you can learn to sing with the unique vocal technique of Elton John. Check out Singing Carrots' educational tools, song search, and singing courses to help you achieve your goals.