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{{merge|Belt (music)}}
#REDIRECT [[Belting (music)]]


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'''Vocal belting''' refers to a specific technique of [[singing]].
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The term "belt" in music is misunderstood by some to mean the use of "chest" voice in the high [[register (music)|register]] of the [[voice]], rather than using the "head voice," etc. This is a misconception. The proper production of the "belt voice" is accomplished in the upper range by a [[modulation (music)]] of [[vowel]]s and change of typical placement of the voice sound in the [[mouth]]. In a higher range all vowels are modulated to one of two vowels: "eh" as in "ape" or "ah" (bright vowel) as in "ChicAgo." Depending on the range of the [[singer]], the vowels will be more or less modulated. Hence, in a male voice, a belted A-flat might not have the same amount of modulation as a belted [[note|B-flat]].
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In addition to the modulation of vowels, the belt voice sound is produced by properly placing the sound in the mouth. The [[soft palate]] is raised and the vowels brightened toward the front of the mouth. The [[jaw]] is open (but not fully open) so that a few [[tooth|teeth]] are typically showing on the top and bottom of the mouth. There are various techniques and vocalises to accomplish this sound. The result is a kind of "soft yell."

Despite the sound being somewhat of "soft yell." Though the [[larynx]] is slightly higher than in classical technique, the [[vocal cord]]s are not harmed.

It also worth pointing out that some singing teachers regard belting as intrinsically damaging to long term vocal health. The subject is a matter of heated controversy among singers, singing teachers and vocal coaches.

It is thought by some that "belting" will produce vocal nodes. Nodes can show up when the vocal cords are unhealthily slapped together in a "glottal attack." In fact some voice teachers argue thaty belt pulls the vocal cords very close together, but air can still pass through safely without causing a "glottal attack."

Others believe that a healthy belt technique can be practiced, and in fact belt technique can be used as [[therapy]] for vocal cords. However, improper technique can be quite dangerous, and whether or not one accepts belt as a healthy vocal technique, it should certainly not be experimented without supervision by a good voice teacher.

Both classical and belt sounds can be produced by the same person. The belt sound is easier for some than others, but the sound is possible for classical singers, too. While it is most often used by females - its best known exponent being [[Regine Velasquez]]. It requires strong [[diaphragm (anatomy)|diaphragm]] support and strong vocal cords - hence, it may take time for a singer untrained in belt technique to reach a true belt.

Examples of belt technique can be heard from:
*[[Axl Rose]]
*[[Christina Aguilera]]
*[[Shirley Bassey]]
*[[Mariah Carey]]
*[[Kelly Clarkson]]
*[[Chris Cornell]]
*[[Celine Dion|Céline Dion]]
*[[Aretha Franklin]]
*[[Judy Garland]]
*[[Ian Gillan]]
*[[Whitney Houston]]
*[[Chaka Khan]]
*[[Gladys Knight]]
*[[Patti LaBelle]]
*[[Cyndi Lauper]]
*[[Kimberley Locke]]
*[[Martina McBride]]
*[[Ethel Merman]]
*[[Liza Minnelli]]
*[[Bernadette Peters]]
*[[Barbra Streisand]]
*[[Donna Summer]]
*[[Carrie Underwood]]
*[[Wendy Moten]]
*[[Coco Lee]]
*[[Regine Velasquez]]
*[[Sarah Geronimo]]
*[[Rachelle Ann Go]]
*[[Sheryn regis]]
*[[Jonalyn Viray]]
*[[Amanda Kuchinski]]
*[[Shoshana Bean]]
*[[Idina Menzel]]
*[[Eden Espinosa]]


These singers are widely known for their sustained belting and can go through vocal acrobatics while hitting very high notes at high [[pitches]]. For more examples of belt and for more information on the technique, see the book "The Phenomena of the Belt/Pop Voice, The Technique for Safely Producing the Vocal Sounds of Today" by Jan Sullivan.

Jo Estill, inventor of Estill Voicecraft voice training system, is renowned for her extensive, if hotly debated and controversial scientific work on music theatre belt and vocal 'tilt.'

[[Category:Singing]]

Latest revision as of 21:13, 30 January 2024

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