A Guide to Vocal Techniques Across Genres: Part 4 of 10

 

Belting Vocal Technique: Power and Intensity in Singing

Disclaimer Reminder: These explanations are meant to give an overview only, and it should be understood that there is considerably more complexity and detail than what I can disseminate in this platform.

Welcome back to our dive into vocal techniques across genres. After uncovering the secrets of speech level singing, we now venture into a style commonly associated with musical theater and popular music - belting. This technique, packed with power and intensity, is key to delivering show-stopping performances.

Introduction: What is Belting, and Where is it Commonly Used?

Belting originated in the world of musical theater and has found its way into various other genres, such as rock, pop, and gospel. It refers to a specific technique of voice production that allows a singer to maintain their chest voice higher into their vocal range, resulting in a powerful and intense sound that cuts through a music mix.

Physiology of Belting: Larynx, Resonance, Breath Support

Belting requires a certain level of physicality. It starts with a raised larynx, contrary to the neutral or lowered larynx position seen in SLS and opera respectively. This raised larynx expands the pharynx, allowing for greater volume.

Resonance in belting is primarily focused in the mouth (oral resonance), with the hard palate and teeth playing a crucial role in amplifying the sound. This contrasts with the focus on head resonance and careful manipulation of the vocal tract in opera and SLS.

Breath support in belting is crucial. Belting requires a firm and controlled release of air managed by the breath mechanism and not the glottis, to support the intense, high-pitched sounds. This means engaging the diaphragm and intercostal muscles to regulate the flow of air.

Contrasting Belting with Opera and SLS

Similar to Opera and in contrast to SLS, belting is more physically demanding and requires a strong understanding of one's vocal mechanism to execute safely. While opera focuses on creating a large, resonant sound with a lowered larynx and controlled air support, belting achieves its signature power with a raised larynx and oral resonance. SLS, on the other hand, prioritizes a natural, speech-like approach, contrasting the intense physicality of belting.

Tips and Exercises to Safely Practice Belting

  1. Lip trills: These help warm up the voice and establish good breath support, which is crucial for safe belting.
  2. Belting sirens: Start on a comfortable pitch in your chest voice and slide up to your higher range, maintaining the intensity and brightness of your chest voice.
  3. Sing through a skinny straw: This exercise reduces vocal strain and ensures the vocal cords are functioning efficiently.
  4. Hydration: Hydrate both the body and the vocal cords before and during singing, as belting requires more vocal effort.

Remember, belting should never feel strained or painful. If it does, stop immediately and seek guidance from a qualified voice teacher.

Next time, we need to go even deeper into the notion of Breath Support, as it is such a critical aspect of each of the styles, and has unique challenges in each.

Up Next! Here's the link to the next part 5 of 10 in the series: Breath Support Across Genres: The Invisible Foundation of Singing

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