How to Sing like Christine Daae & Carlotta from Phantom of the Opera

It is no secret that I am a HUGE theater nerd. The musical that started it all? Phantom of The Opera. My Mom LOVES Phantom, specifically, Michael Crawford. She would play the original cast recording featuring Michael Crawford as the Phantom, and Sarah Brightman as Christine. Something in me once she hit “the note” (you know the one) said “I MUST LEARN HOW TO SING LIKE HER. NOW.”

So, up my little middle school self went to my room, CD in hand, ready to belt that sucker out. I learned that musical like the back of my hand top to bottom, every single part.

So much so, I taught myself how to sing “classically.”

Before you purists get on my back, I am fully aware that there is a combination of the musical theater style of singing and classical style throughout the entire musical, sung by each character.

How do they do it you ask? I AM SO GLAD YOU ASKED!

In order to combine classical with musical theater styles, with seamless transitions, you need to have an an understanding of the different registers of the voice.

As it pertains to Christine Daae & Carlotta, musical theater style singing utilizes more of the chest voice and mix voice while classical singing utilizes more of the head voice and whistle tones (hello, high E at the end of the title track to the whole musical!)

The key to keeping everything seamless is breath support, and vowel shapes. Keeping your voice supported as it transitions between head voice and mixed voice (used mostly on the lower notes of songs, combining a little breathiness with chest voice) will make the transition easier. What does that mean? Keeping your ribs expanded is one of the easiest ways to tell if you’re supporting the note or not.

In terms of vowels, everything is slightly darker in overall tone, meaning you hold your mouth in a longer shape to create depth and roundness. (To hear the exact opposite for contrast, smile and sing the vowel “e.” The tone will come out very nasaly-sounding, almost like a mosquito. That’s an example of “bright” vowel singing.)

What’s the difference between Christine and Carlotta?

Carlotta, our wonderful Italian diva, has a darker, more rounded tone, as well as an accentuated vibrato to portray her “experience” and “maturity” as a performer.

Christine, the “unassuming” “chorus-girl” turned-star, is younger and technically less experienced, although “she has a good teacher.” (Shout out to Madame Giry! If that went right over your head, it’s time to listen to the musical, or watch the movie.) Has a brighter, and lighter tone to her voice. Throughout the musical her voice gets more and more confident as the character gets more confident in her own ability.

Take a listen to the recordings and/or watch the movie and listen to the minute details between the different tones and timbres of each character’s voice and how they each tell a story!

Tune in next week for another Music Minute Monday!