MasterClass

Mariah Carey Teaches the Voice as an Instrument

With a five-octave range and soaring whistle tones, Mariah Carey reigns as the “Songbird Supreme.” Now, for the first time, she’s opening up her studio to show you her creative process. Learn how she uses her iconic voice to write songs, collaborate, and produce—and discover how some of her biggest hits were made. Draw inspiration from Mariah’s journey and connect with the power of your own voice and vision.

Where to Watch Mariah Carey Teaches the Voice as an Instrument

9 Episodes

  • Meet Your Instructor: Mariah Carey
    E1
    Meet Your Instructor: Mariah CareyWith 19 No. 1 records and five Grammy Awards, your new instructor is Billboard’s “Greatest Female Artist of All Time.” Mariah welcomes you to her class and gives you a first look at her newest project, the Butterfly Lounge.
  • Producing with Your Voice
    E2
    Producing with Your VoiceLearn how Mariah makes music: by using her voice, communicating with melody, and collaborating with other musicians. Mariah begins to reimagine “The Roof” with a string quartet.
  • Lyricism: Write About the Realness
    E3
    Lyricism: Write About the RealnessLike any good storyteller, songwriters can use their personal experiences as inspiration. In this lesson, Mariah delves into song studies and reveals the origins behind two of her most personal songs: “Outside” and “Sunflowers for Alfred Roy.”
  • Writing with Samples
    E4
    Writing with SamplesMariah’s work is the blueprint for today’s pop music. In this lesson, learn how she uses samples as building blocks for original songs. She also shares how Mobb Deep’s “Shook Ones, Part II” inspired her writing of “The Roof.”
  • Background Vocals, Part 1
    E5
    Background Vocals, Part 1Mariah shares her love for the underappreciated art of background vocals and revisits the backgrounds for “The Roof” with Grammy Award–winning singer-songwriter Brandy in the Butterfly Lounge.
  • Background Vocals, Part 2
    E6
    Background Vocals, Part 2Mariah breaks down key elements of her process as she continues her recording session with Brandy. Then she combines the new background vocals with the string quartet session.
  • Instrumentation and Emotion
    E7
    Instrumentation and EmotionLyrics aren’t the only way to communicate with listeners. Working with the string ensemble, Mariah demonstrates how instrumentation can express emotion—in this case, love and longing, or “the misery,” as she calls it.
  • Taking Care of Your Voice
    E8
    Taking Care of Your VoiceAs an instrument, the voice needs to be maintained and can be strengthened over time. Mariah covers mental preparation, humidity, and vocal rest. She also shares how vocal nodules helped her reach the whistle register.
  • Surviving in the Music Industry
    E9
    Surviving in the Music IndustryMariah reflects on her journey as a musical artist, and she provides tips for navigating the industry and maintaining creative control. She also reveals the full version of “The Roof,” created during her class.

 

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