Singing Guide: The Wiz
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
The Wiz is a popular musical featuring an African-American cast, a funky and soul-based score, and a reinvention of the famous The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Diana Ross, who played the lead role of Dorothy Gale, is a phenomenal singer and one who many aspiring singers look up to. In this article, we'll discuss how to learn singing like Diana Ross.
One of the most distinctive features of Ross's singing voice is her ability to navigate complex melodic runs and maintain a consistently bright, clear tone throughout her range. This can be partly attributed to her use of falsetto, which she employs to great effect on songs like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Where Did Our Love Go," lending them both a playful and soaring quality.
Another key aspect of Ross's vocal technique is her use of dynamics. She will often start phrases softly and then build them up to a powerful climax, as with her iconic rendition of "I'm Coming Out." This makes for a thrilling and emotionally resonant performance, showing off the full extent of her impressive vocal range.
Songs showcasing Ross's technique
If you're looking to sing like Diana Ross, there are a few songs that are particularly well-suited to showing off her technique. One classic example is "Chain Reaction," a song that builds up to a joyous, full-throated chorus that demands range and power from the singer. Another great choice is "Theme from Mahogany," a ballad that showcases Ross's ability to sing with nuance and subtlety, building up to a majestic climax in the final verse.
Practical advice
To build up your singing abilities to Diana Ross's level, it's important to practice consistently and methodically. Singing Carrots offers many useful resources that can help you develop your skills, such as the Vocal Range Test, Pitch Accuracy Test, and Pitch Training game. Additionally, our singing course offers a comprehensive overview of singing techniques, including breath support, vocal registers and resonance, and performance skills.
Another key component of learning to sing like Ross is to find your own authentic voice. Ross is known for her expressive and emotive style, a quality that comes from her innate sense of musicality and emotion. By studying her performances and working to integrate her techniques into your own vocal style, you can create a unique sound that is all your own.
Conclusion
Diana Ross is rightfully considered one of the greatest singers of all time, and her technique and style have inspired countless singers to pursue their own dreams. By working to develop your own singing abilities and studying the techniques and songs that made Ross a legend, you can take your singing to new heights and discover your own voice as an artist.