Dreaming with Your Voice
"A Million Dreams" is the emotional core of The Greatest Showman. It spans the lifetime of P.T. Barnum, beginning with the young voice of Ziv Zaifman and transitioning to the mature, resonant tenor of Hugh Jackman, finally joined by Michelle Williams. This structural evolution makes it a fantastic song for practicing dynamic control and vocal coloring.
To sing this successfully, you must tell a story. The opening verses are intimate and conversational, while the chorus requires a "belt" that feels expansive and full of wonder. Let's break down the technique.
AI Coach Tip: Watch the Breathiness
In the opening verse ("I close my eyes..."), singers often add too much breath to sound young. This dries out the vocal cords quickly. Aim for a clear, forward tone at a low volume instead of whispering.
Phase 1: The Child's Voice (Verse 1)
The song begins in G Major. Ziv Zaifman sings with a pure, "straight" tone (minimal vibrato). The melody hovers around D4 and G4. The key here is articulation. Every word represents a vision Barnum is seeing, so enunciate clearly without chopping the legato line.
Phase 2: The Adult Transition (Verse 2)
When Hugh Jackman takes over ("There's a house we can build"), the vocal weight increases. You should switch to a warmer chest resonance. The melody is identical to the first verse, but the intent changes from innocent dreaming to determined planning. Use a slightly heavier onset for the words to ground the sound.
Phase 3: The Chorus Anthem
The chorus ("'Cause every night I lie in bed") is where the energy explodes. The melody jumps to higher notes (C5 and D5). To sustain the phrase "A million dreams are keeping me awake," you need strong breath support.
- Vowel Modification: On the word "Awake," modify the "A" sound slightly towards "Uh" to keep the larynx neutral. A wide "Ah" spread will cause tension.
- Placement: Aim the sound towards the "mask" (the front of your face) to get that ringing, hopeful quality without shouting.
Phase 4: The Harmonies
Michelle Williams enters with harmonies in the bridge. If you are singing the harmony track in the app, focus on blending. Your volume should be 70% of the lead vocal, and your vibrato speed should match the lead singer to avoid a "wobbly" sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lead vocal hits a D5, with ad-libs and harmonies reaching up to an E5. It is a comfortable range for Tenors and Sopranos/Mezzos.
Yes. Unlike "The Greatest Show," which requires heavy stamina, "A Million Dreams" allows you to rest during the verses. It is excellent for learning how to build intensity gradually.
Absolutely. You can lighten your vocal fold mass (think "head voice") to mimic the lighter texture of the child's solo, or transpose the song down -2 semitones in the app for a deeper interpretation.
