Worship Vocalist | – How to Sing "Oceans" (Hillsong)

“Oceans” is one of the top female-led songs in contemporary worship music. I remember when it was first released… marvelling at the fresh lyrical ideas and Taya Smith’s beautiful voice! Such a lovely song, but not an easy one to sing! Check out this video for tips on how to use vocal fry to strengthen the beginning of your phrases; how to engage the right vocal resonators to gain richness, power, and freedom; how to hit that high note in the bridge with power (“take me DEEEEEPER”)!; and how to sing in a contemporary mix voice that sounds like chest voice extended up high, but without the tension and strain!

About The Author

The Worship Vocalist Vocal training for worship team vocalists—beginner to advanced—who want to take their voice and worship leading to the next level. The Worship Vocalist

Comment (45)

  1. This video helped me so much but I'm struggling with the verse 5:34 I feel like my voice is fighting me on getting to that comfortable pitch "take me deeper than my feet can ever wander"

  2. I'm no singer by any stretch and not even looking to learn or anything (I play the piano on my worship team) and yet I find myself going through these videos. They are both fun, and surprisingly effective. Those weird sounds you're making when you demonstrate the registers (is that even how it's called?), they're majorly effective and so easy to grasp. I just love the approach. I've shared your videos with some people, I just wish you had a French version of these :), it would be much more helpful in this part of the world. You're such a blessing to others, thank you lots Charmaine! Blessings.

  3. Think you so much for your help
    I just started leading worship with an own band and I am sometimes too insecure about the way i sing Songs.
    Which Ley do you Play oceans? I am Not sure which i want to but that one you did in the video fits so good

  4. Im really interested to cultivate my voice til I found myself coo coo coo cooing inside my room, wawe wawe wawe waweing, meme meme memeing.. this is helpful though. Very beautiful singing coach! ❤️

  5. I'm always pushing and straining, because I'm afraid of voice cracks or the note failing on those higher notes. I'm in the position of leading (because there's no one else), but I honestly don't have the talent or vocal range. Would pharyngeal resonance actually help me? By the end of the worship set, my throat is sore. I'm not a professional, so obviously I'm doing all sorts of wrong. :

  6. You call me out upon the waters
    The great unknown where feet may fail
    And there I find You in the mystery
    In oceans deep
    My faith will stand
    And I will call upon Your name
    And keep my eyes above the waves
    When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace
    For I am Yours and You are mine
    Your grace abounds in deepest waters
    Your sovereign hand
    Will be my guide
    Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
    You've never failed and You won't start now
    So I will call upon Your name
    And keep my eyes above the waves
    When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace
    For I am Yours and You are mine
    Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
    Let me walk upon the waters
    Wherever You would call me
    Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
    And my faith will be made stronger
    In the presence of my Savior
    Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
    Let me walk upon the waters
    Wherever You would call me
    Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
    And my faith will be made stronger
    In the presence of my Savior
    Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
    Let me walk upon the waters
    Wherever You would call me
    Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
    And my faith will be made stronger
    In the presence of my Savior
    I will call upon Your name
    Keep my eyes above the waves
    My soul will rest in Your embrace
    I am Yours and You are mine

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT