Belting Tips??

[MimiLovesRoger]

Posted: 11/12/06 at 7:42pm

I need belting tips...

We have a show on Friday, and i have to sing this song called "Wiggle Waggle" with two other girls, and when we got on stage today i realized that i absolutly cannot belt. It's really starting to piss me off now. In the rehearsal room i could sing it just fine...but now...uggh.

Help please!

[SallyBrown]

Posted: 11/12/06 at 7:46pm

Are you more used to singing with a more classical twist or are you used to singing twangy musical theatre? It makes all the difference, I know, because I study voice classically (not opera..classical) but at my performing arts school the singing teacher is all about twangy Broadway mode, so what kind of sound are you going for? I dont know Wiggle Waggle..

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 11/12/06 at 7:56pm

Sing in your speaking voice, or spread your vowels/ sound nasal until it sounds like you are belting.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 11/12/06 at 8:10pm

The best belting tip you can get on a mesage board:

Ask your voice teacher for belting tips. If you don't have one, don't belt until you get one.

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 11/12/06 at 8:16pm

Yes, what dancingthrulife04 said. My suggestions are just temporary solutions that won't harm your voice.

[nobodyhome]

Posted: 11/12/06 at 8:19pm

I agree with dancingthrulife.

Belting comes naturally to some people but not to others. Conversely, some female belters have trouble accessing a head voice type of sound. (I think that all belting is basically a mix, but perhaps I shouldn't open that can of worms.)

Don't risk hurting your voice by trying to push for a belt. If it doesn't come naturally, take the time to figure out how to do it healthily (preferably with the help of a good teacher, if you can find a good one).

[MimiLovesRoger]

Posted: 11/12/06 at 8:34pm

Ok...

It's just weird because I'm more used to singing in my 'head voice' rather than my chest voice'. I've never really had to belt before...

Plus, I don't have a voice teacher right now...I got tierd of her. lol. (I'm looking for a new one).

[just_me1981]

Posted: 11/13/06 at 5:55am

what about asking your musical director for some coachings?
If you want to alter the tone a good way to cheat belt is to put a little bit of twang in.
But like others have said, don't try and belt without having proper lessons!
I know you're probably getting sick of hearing it, but vocal health just so important!

[Katurian2]

Posted: 11/13/06 at 8:35am

Just talk loudly in pitch. haha- that's what I feel like belting is sometimes. BBut, like everyone else is saying, you should be careful right now. If you must do it, make sure you have a long warm up and don't extend it for too long.

[MimiLovesRoger]

Posted: 11/13/06 at 9:57am

Thanks guys...this has actually helped alot!

Wish me luck with this.

[GClef2]

Posted: 11/13/06 at 11:42am

I really prefer singers who dont belt as much, but if you must, make sure you think about attacking the belted notes from abover, not scooping to them.

Nothing is worse then a belter who is belting flat.

[elphaba.scares.me]

Posted: 11/13/06 at 8:04pm

I know this is sort of unconventional, but I learned to belt by putting on my favorite Broadway albums and trying to sound like the singer on the recording.

Depending on the range, try Ethel Merman (lower and easier) or the Miss Saigon recording (I still don't know if Lea Salonga is belting or mixing...it's a gorgeous sound...who cares?)

Don't overdo it, especially if you're new to chest voice.

Fifteen years later (ahhhh!) I'm still node free and sing constantly.

[teh_pretty]

Posted: 11/13/06 at 9:36pm

Good rule of thumb: if it hurts, don't do it!

[B-WayBabiiee]

Posted: 11/13/06 at 10:23pm

elphaba.scares.me is right it actually can work.