“How Far I’ll Go” from Disney’s Moana has become a sensation, captivating audiences with its powerful message and infectious melody. Composed by the brilliant Lin-Manuel Miranda, this song is a favorite among aspiring singers. While seemingly simple, “How Far I’ll Go” presents a unique set of vocal challenges. Many students eager to belt it out discover it’s trickier than it sounds. This guide breaks down why this popular song is vocally demanding and provides practical tips and exercises to help you master it, drawing primarily from the Alessia Cara version which presents a slightly higher degree of difficulty.
Why “How Far I’ll Go” is Vocally Challenging
1. Navigating Note Jumps in the Chorus
The chorus of “How Far I’ll Go” requires agility and control, particularly with its notable note jumps. Reaching a B4 from an E4, while not extremely high, demands precision. This leap can be surprisingly difficult to manage smoothly, often leading to strain if not approached with the correct technique.
2. Sustaining High Notes with Power and Grace
Sustained high notes are another hurdle in “How Far I’ll Go”. Phrases like “wrong with me” and the prolonged “go” require singers to maintain breath support and avoid tension. Holding these notes, especially the final “go,” can easily lead to vocal strain if singers push too hard or lose proper technique.
Quick Fixes for Singing “How Far I’ll Go”
1. Setting Up Your Voice for High Notes
Successfully hitting high notes isn’t about luck; it’s about preparation. Each note requires a specific vocal setup, demanding different levels of breath support and energy compared to mid-range notes. Singers often struggle because they don’t prepare their body for the high notes in advance, causing a poorly controlled and strained sound. To gain control, isolate and practice the higher notes first, such as “calls” in “it calls me” and “hind” in “behind me”. Identify the precise breath support and energy needed for these notes. Crucially, ensure your body is in this energized and supported posture before you sing the high note, not as you’re approaching it.
2. Smoothing Out Diphthongs
Diphthongs, or combined vowel sounds, can be tricky in sustained notes. In “How Far I’ll Go,” words like “behind,” “blinding,” and “find” can be modified slightly for easier singing. Instead of sharply closing the “I” sound in “behind,” try extending the “ah” sound and softening the “d,” almost singing “be-hahn.” Similarly, modify “blinding” to “blah-nding” and “find” to “fahn.” This subtle vowel modification can create a smoother and more sustained sound, especially on higher notes.
3. Modifying Sustained Vowels for Comfort
During the phrase “wrong with me,” the sustained high “me” can sound pinched or shrill. To remedy this, try opening the vowel towards an “ih” sound, as in “kick,” while incorporating a slight “dopey” quality. This “dopey” sound helps lift your soft palate, creating more space and resonance. Once the sound feels more open and less strained, you can gradually reduce the “dopey” quality while maintaining the improved resonance. For the final, long “go,” start with a “guh” sound, maintaining that lifted soft palate, and then transition to an “ooh” sound just before ending the note. This approach helps prevent strain and allows for a more controlled and sustained high note.
Building Long-Term Vocal Strength for “How Far I’ll Go”
Vocal Exercises for Sustained Improvement
To truly master “How Far I’ll Go” and improve your overall vocal technique, consistent practice with targeted exercises is key.
Humming Up a 5th for Breath Control
Humming is an excellent exercise for developing breath control and awareness. It requires minimal air, making it easy to monitor your breath support. If you’re exhaling too quickly, the resonant buzz will diminish. Practice humming up and down a five-note scale, and then repeat, skipping the in-between notes on the way up.
Focus on your breath support, especially as you ascend the scale. On the repetition where you skip notes, engage your support from the lower note in anticipation of the higher one. If you feel like you’re running out of air at the top, the note is flattening, or you’re forcing the sound, try engaging your breath support earlier and more consistently. This exercise directly translates to the breath control needed for the note jumps in “How Far I’ll Go.”
“Guh Guh Guh” for Relaxation and Resonance
The “guh guh guh” exercise promotes vocal relaxation and proper resonance. Relax your jaw and sing a “dopey” “guh guh guh” repeatedly. This sound naturally encourages your soft palate to lift, retracts the false vocal folds, and helps lower the larynx slightly, all contributing to a more relaxed and open vocal production.
Once comfortable with the “guh guh guh” articulation, practice an arpeggio ascending an octave, sustaining the high note at the peak. By consistently practicing this exercise, you’ll develop greater ease and control over higher notes, making the challenging sustained notes in “How Far I’ll Go” more manageable.
Conclusion
“How Far I’ll Go” is a rewarding song to learn, offering both musical satisfaction and vocal development opportunities. By understanding its challenges and implementing these quick fixes and consistent vocal exercises, you can confidently approach this popular song and expand your vocal capabilities. Consistent practice and mindful application of these techniques will empower you to sing “How Far I’ll Go” with both power and artistry.
