Untangling the Mysteries of Belting
Belting in musical theater – it’s a sound that captivates audiences, sending shivers down spines and bringing down the house. But for many aspiring singers, it remains an elusive technique shrouded in confusion and misconceptions. As a self-taught belter myself, I remember the countless hours I spent trying to unravel the secrets behind that powerful, resonant vocal style. If you’re a classically trained singer, you may have even been told that belting is a big no-no, something that could potentially damage your voice.
Well, my friends, I’m here to blow those myths out of the water and shed some light on the art of belting. It’s time to take the mystique out of this remarkable vocal technique and help you discover your own inner Broadway diva (or divo!).
Defining the Belting Sound
Let’s start with the basics – what exactly is belting? At its core, belting is the ability to sing powerfully and with chest resonance above your first “bridge” or passaggio. This means that as you ascend in pitch, you’re able to maintain that strong, connected chest voice quality rather than transitioning fully into a lighter head voice.
According to Susie Q, a self-taught belting expert, belting involves “singing above your first bridge break passagio with thinning cords that are slightly stiffened with very little breath passing through and a stable tilted larynx to provide adequate twang.” In other words, it’s about striking the perfect balance between chest and head voice, with a touch of that nasal “twang” that gives belting its signature sound.
But hold up – this isn’t the same as the full-throttle, shouty style of belting you might hear in pop music. The musical theater belt is a bit more refined, with a focus on maintaining control and resonance rather than pure volume. Think of the powerhouse vocals of Patti LuPone, Idina Menzel, or Adam Lambert – that’s the sound we’re going for.
Unlocking the Mixed Voice
So how do we actually produce this magical belting sound? The key lies in mastering your mixed voice. This is the transitional area between your chest and head registers, where the vocal cords stretch and thin out as you ascend in pitch.
Susie Q explains that for women, the mixed voice range typically sits around A-flat above middle C to B-flat or B, while for men it’s around E-flat above middle C up to F or even G-flat. Navigating this tricky passaggio is essential for belting, as you need to maintain cord closure and vocal fold connection as you climb higher.
The secret? Tilting that larynx and letting those vocal cords stretch and thin out. This allows you to keep that chest voice resonance while transitioning seamlessly into your higher range. It’s a delicate balance, but when you nail it, the result is pure vocal magic.
Breath Support and Cord Closure
Of course, proper breath support is also crucial for belting. As Bish from TikTok reminds us, belting requires “huge breath support and an ability to control the voice in the high mix area.” Without that solid foundation, your belting will end up sounding strained and unsupported.
But it’s not just about taking a deep breath – it’s about maintaining that stability and control throughout the entire phrase. Imagine you’re blowing out birthday candles, but without letting any air escape. That’s the kind of steady, unwavering airflow you want to achieve.
Coupled with that is the all-important cord closure. As you ascend, your vocal cords need to remain firmly connected, without letting any air slip through. This keeps your sound focused and prevents that dreaded “airy” quality that can plague inexperienced belters.
Putting It All Together
Now, I know what you’re thinking – this all sounds like a lot to juggle! How on earth are you supposed to coordinate your larynx, vocal cords, and breath support all at the same time? Well, my friends, it’s going to take some serious practice, but I promise it’s worth it.
Start by mastering those middle voice exercises from Mastering the Mix. Focus on maintaining that cord connection as you ascend, and don’t be afraid to exaggerate that larynx tilt and “twang” a bit. Once you’ve got that down, start incorporating some of those classic belt-friendly songs into your repertoire.
And remember, belting isn’t about shouting or straining – it’s about using your voice efficiently and with control. If you find yourself pushing too hard or struggling to keep your volume in check, take a step back and re-evaluate your technique. Patience and perseverance are key.
Embracing Your Unique Sound
One final note – don’t get too caught up in trying to emulate the specific vocal stylings of your favorite Broadway stars. While it’s great to have inspirations, the true magic happens when you find your own authentic belting voice. Experiment with different vowel shapes, vibrato, and even a touch of that theatrical “cry” to see what works best for you.
After all, the beauty of musical theater is in its diversity. So embrace your unique vocal gifts and let that inner diva shine through. With the right technique and a whole lot of passion, you’ll be belting your way to standing ovations in no time.
