“How Far I’ll Go” from Disney’s Moana, penned by the brilliant Lin-Manuel Miranda, has become a sensation, echoing the popularity of songs like “Let It Go” and “Hello.” Its infectious melody, rhythmic complexity, and clever lyrics make it a favorite among singers of all levels. While seemingly accessible, “How Far I’ll Go” presents unique vocal challenges that require attention and technique. This guide, drawing inspiration from vocal pedagogy, will explore these difficulties and provide practical exercises to help you master this captivating song. We’ll primarily focus on the Alessia Cara version, noted for its slightly increased demands, to offer a comprehensive approach to conquering “How Far I’ll Go.”
Decoding the Vocal Hurdles in “How Far I’ll Go”
1. Navigating the Chorus Note Jumps
The chorus of “How Far I’ll Go” features an upward leap to a B4 from an E4. While B4 itself isn’t an exceptionally high note for many singers, the interval jump can pose control issues. This rapid ascent demands precise breath control and vocal cord coordination to avoid strain and maintain pitch accuracy. Singers may find themselves struggling with vocal breaks or a lack of smoothness when transitioning between these notes.
2. Sustaining High Notes with Confidence
Sustained high notes are another area where singers often encounter difficulties in “How Far I’ll Go.” Phrases like “wrong with me” (at 2:03 in the Alessia Cara version), particularly the held “me,” and the extended “go” (at 2:47), require consistent breath support and relaxed vocal technique. The tendency for singers is to tense up, push air forcefully, or allow their pitch to waver when holding these notes. Mastering these sustained passages is crucial for delivering a powerful and emotionally resonant performance.
Instant Techniques to Enhance Your Performance
1. Proactive Setup for High Notes
Singing high notes effectively is less about brute force and more about strategic preparation. Each note resides within a specific vocal register and requires a tailored anatomical setup. High notes necessitate greater energy and breath support compared to mid-range notes. A common mistake is approaching high notes with the same relaxed posture used for easier passages. This lack of adjustment often leads to poorly controlled high notes.
To combat this, prioritize practicing the challenging higher notes in isolation. Identify the notes that require extra effort, such as “calls” in “it calls me” and “hind” in “behind me.” Experiment to pinpoint the precise level of breath support and vocal energy needed for these notes. Crucially, internalize this energized setup and engage it before you reach the high note, rather than reacting in the moment. This proactive approach allows for smoother transitions and greater control.
2. Refining Diphthong Articulation
Diphthongs, or vowel combinations, can sometimes hinder vocal agility, especially in faster passages or on higher notes. In “How Far I’ll Go,” words like “behind,” “blinding,” and “find” contain diphthongs that can be subtly modified for improved vocal flow.
Instead of fully closing the “I” sound in “behind,” try prolonging the “ah” sound and softening the “d,” effectively singing “be-hahn.” Similarly, “blinding” can be modified to “blah-nding,” and “find” to “fahn.” These subtle vowel modifications can streamline your vocal delivery and enhance the legato phrasing of the song.
3. Modifying Sustained Vowels for Tone Quality
Sustained vowels on higher notes can sometimes sound strained or shrill. In “wrong with me,” the high “me” can become pinched. To remedy this, try slightly opening the vowel towards an “ih” sound, as in “kick.” Simultaneously, introduce a subtle “dopey” vocal quality – this sensation encourages the soft palate to lift, creating more resonance and space in the vocal tract. Once you achieve a more open and relaxed sound, you can gradually reduce the “dopey” quality while maintaining the improved resonance.
For the final, sustained “go,” which can be challenging to hold without tension, initiate the note with a “dopey” “guh” sound. Then, smoothly transition to an “ooh” vowel shape just before releasing the note. This technique helps maintain vocal support and prevents strain throughout the sustained passage.
Long-Term Vocal Development Exercises
1. Humming Up a Fifth for Breath Control
Humming is an excellent exercise for developing breath control and awareness. It requires minimal air expenditure, making it efficient for breath management practice. The frontal resonance produced during humming provides immediate feedback on breath flow – if the buzz diminishes, it indicates excessive air release.
Practice humming ascending and descending five-note scales. Initially, hum through each note of the scale. On subsequent repetitions, skip the intermediary notes, jumping directly to the higher note.
Focus on breath support during the first iteration, experimenting to find the optimal balance for the highest note. When skipping notes, engage that same level of support from the initial lower note before ascending to the higher note. If you experience air leakage, pitch flattening, or vocal strain at the top, consciously hold back your breath more from the outset. This controlled breath management is directly transferable to the note jumps in “How Far I’ll Go.”
2. “Guh Guh Guh” for Vocal Relaxation
The “guh guh guh” exercise promotes vocal relaxation and proper vocal tract configuration. Relax your jaw and articulate a “dopey” “guh guh guh” sound repeatedly.
This articulation encourages the soft palate to lift, the false vocal folds to retract, and the larynx to remain in a slightly lower, more relaxed position. In simpler terms, it promotes an open and unstrained vocal production. Progress to arpeggiating upwards through an octave using “guh,” and sustain the top note. As you become comfortable with this action, you’ll find the high note at the end of “How Far I’ll Go” more accessible and less demanding.
By understanding the specific vocal challenges within “How Far I’ll Go” and diligently practicing these targeted techniques and exercises, you can confidently approach this popular song and deliver a performance that showcases both technical skill and artistic expression.
