Week 100: Voice Qualities: Belt Quality (Part 2)

Our Official Tip Writer, Ross Campbell of Royal Academy of Music, London, is continuing to cover "Voice Qualities" for several weeks relating 'Sound to the Anatomy' when singing. As Singers & their Teachers worry about producing 'Belt' safely, this week Campbell will repeat how & when it is appropriate to use 'Belt' Quality.

These free tips serve as samples from the NEW singing book out NOW: " Singing - An Extensive Handbook For All Singers And Their Teachers", also written by Campbell and available directly at: http://www.thesingersportal.com

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. Two 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.

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
1-to-1 Vocal Training & Consultations available
www.rosscampbell.biz
www.musicaltheatreuk.com
www.rosscampbelluk.blogspot.com