Week 58: Belt Quality (Part 2)

As Singers & their Teachers worry about producing 'Belt' safely, this week I will repeat how & when it is appropriate to use 'Belt' Quality.

1. Belt in singing can ONLY be used in the upper register ABOVE the upper middle transition in any voice. Anything below is Speech quality.
2. As 'Belt' is similar to 'yelling', we use Belt in both Speech & Singing.The danger is the tendency to drive air, which can lead to damage.
3. 2 things govern the use of Belt: Is it high enough, above the upper middle transition & Is it emotionally correct to produce a Belt sound?
4. Mezzos declaring themselves 'Belters' in Musical Theatre/Pop/Rock are very much mistaken! Belt can only be used above the transition: A/Bb.
5. For SAFE Belt: Clavicular Breath, High Level of Neck & Body Support, High Larynx, High Wide Flat Tongue, Tilted Cricoid, Engaged Twanger.

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Ross Campbell
Professor of Singing, Royal Academy of Music, London
Managing Director & Head of Singing & Music, Musical Theatre UK, London
MTI Award Winning Author for ABRSM Songbooks 1 - 5
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