The Secrets Behind the Vocal Mastery of Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland

While it is true that some individuals have an innate talent for singing, combining natural ability with a lifelong commitment to vocal practice and technique can lead to extraordinary results. Two such legendary figures are Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland. Their vocal prowess, often attributed to a blend of natural ability and tireless self-training, serves as a remarkable example for aspiring singers today.

Natural Talent vs. Vocal Technique

Some singers possess a remarkable ability to hit the right notes and convey emotion without structured vocal training. In the case of Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland, their ability to perform with such passion and precision might initially seem to defy the need for formal lessons. However, underpinning their performances are years of practice and a deep understanding of the voice as an expressive instrument.

It is often said that Judy Garland had limited formal vocal training, yet she showcased an exceptional ability to connect with her audience emotionally. According to Anne Edwards in her biography of Judy Garland, 'My father gave me my first singing lessons. They started about the time I learned to talk. [My father] told me to put all my enthusiasm into a song. Doing that would make the audience like me even if they didn’t like the song.' This approach was key to her success, demonstrating that vocal technique need not be formal to yield incredible results.

The Role of Practice and Self-Training

Both Streisand and Garland had opportunities to hone their skills through dedicated practice. Judy Garland, with her extensive time on set between film projects, made use of her downtime to rehearse and perfect her performances. Similarly, Streisand had ample time and resources to develop her technique, which likely contributed to her lifelong career of vocal mastery.

For aspiring singers, taking time to practice and train the voice, even in the absence of formal instruction, can be immensely beneficial. In the words of Caroline Fields, 'With practice and self-training, [singers] can achieve the voice they have.' This approach allows singers to explore the full potential of their instrument, much like composing symphonies without formal musical training.

The Value of Vocal Training

While both Streisand and Garland achieved remarkable vocal technique, it's worth noting that additional vocal training could potentially enhance the performance further. Both artists had some formal lessons and exposure to good singing, which undoubtedly played a role in their success. As Judy Garland once said, her father's early vocal coaching was instrumental in shaping her technique.

For the vast majority of individuals, vocal training offers numerous benefits. It helps singers understand their instrument, discover their range, and master proper breathing and projection techniques. This training can prevent vocal strain and improve performances. Additionally, vocal technique allows singers to express emotions more vividly and reach notes that might otherwise be beyond their reach without training.

The Importance of Emotional Involvement

Ultimately, the success of Streisand and Garland lies not just in their vocal technique but in their ability to convey emotion through their performance. As Fields notes, 'We need to approach the voice not as a sound but as the by product of speaking the text with emotional involvement.' This emotional connection is what resonates with audiences and makes a singer's performance truly exceptional.

Whether through natural talent or dedicated practice, the combination of vocal technique and emotional expression is what elevates a singer to the level of greatness. Aspiring singers can learn from the examples of Streisand and Garland by embracing both formal and self-training methods and trusting their natural instinct to connect with the audience.