Learning how to sing means understanding the mechanics of the body, and also, gaining knowledge on what should be done and what should be avoided.
Singing is all about flexibility and ease. It’s not a competition on who’s going to be pushing harder on stage. We are all unique and our voices are different. We need to embrace the sound we are born with.
Belting could be compared to Vocal Fry, where an undesired force is taken in order to produce a sound.
This is not only damaging to the voice, but it also does not collaborate in the vocal development of an artist. Using and abusing of the voice can lead to serious damage to the vocal cords. Why would anyone take on such a task and risk losing the voice before a concert?
Belting means:
- Separating the chest voice from the head voice
- Using only the chest voice and taking it up to the high register by pushing the sound directly from the throat, instead of relying on the air to create that sound
- Belting also means you have not developed your singing abilities well enough, or you have no clue what singing is all about
Singing exclusively on the chest voice will make you push the sound out once you reach the passaggio. The passaggio is the transition between the chest and the head voice. In this transition, the voice should be equally combined with the head voice, in order to prepare it in the higher register. And even in the head voice, the chest voice is still present. Separating one register from the other will make you push the sound out, and the quality of your voice is jeopardized. Singing the right notes does not mean you have developed a good singing technic.
Instead of Belting and Pushing, you may train the voice to do the following:
- Use the chest and head voice simultaneously in all registers
- Practice and learn so that you have a clear understanding of the different mechanics of the voice and the body
- Listen to great musicians and professional singers in order to develop your ear and get acquainted to what true singing means
Keep in mind that the sound, when you push it forward, will fall down and will not project to your audience. However, singing towards the ceiling (within yourself) is the only way that will allow you to project your sound up and out on stage. This way of singing will often not require you to sing with a microphone since the voice is vibrant, full and radiant. The right way to sing is the right way!
Many singers belt because they wish to imitate their idols. Many popular singers have no basic knowledge about singing; so make sure to listen to quality singing instead of singers who hide their poor technique with their bling-bling and fancy dresses. When you stop imitating other singers and decide to sing with your true voice, this is when your voice will bloom and develop in the right direction.
How to know if you’re pushing?
- Record yourself and judge the quality of the voice
- Measure how you feel after singing a song. Do you feel tired or have an irritated throat? Do you feel you need to take a break or call it a day? Do you feel you cannot go on singing this way?
There are many ways for a singer to become a great singer. The first step to take is to get as much knowledge as possible, and of course, to practice.
Critical thinking is very important and you are allowed to be hard on yourself if you wish to be the best you can. Other tools are also required for your development.
We all have the power to bloom; it’s just about how much you desire it.
I’ve been teaching voice for the past 15 years. With experience in Opera, Jazz and Pop, I share my knowledge and everything related to the Art of Singing in my weekly videos, every Friday, ad free!
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