Learning how to belt is like the ultimate for most singers. In fact, for those that are serious about a singing career, learning how to belt is all but a necessity.
Well-trained singers know how to belt, how to belt high notes, when to belt, and most importantly, how to belt PROPERLY.
Above all, it is critical to learn how to belt properly as to not damage your vocal chords (and your singing career) – but when this singing technique is learned properly and practiced properly, it is totally safe to do and add to your singing variations.
If you ever plan to sing in musicals, prepare to learn how to belt. It is virtually required.
So, let’s take a moment and learn what belt is, the right way to belt, and the wrong way to belt. The following is a guest article that will teach you how to belt and so much more about this singing technique.
How to Belt a Musical Theatre Number – What is Belt? – Belting Explained
Belt is a ‘hot topic’ amongst singers. Some say it’s essential for anyone wanting a career in musical theatre, others say it’s dangerous and should be avoided at all costs, others that it doesn’t even exist!
I can tell you for certain that belt exists, that – done properly – it’s completely safe and is vital if you want to sing in Musicals.
Jo Estill and Belt
Belt is one of the six voice qualities defined by Jo Estill as part of Estill Voice Training (EVT), the revolutionary method of learning to sing and teach singing that’s based on precise scientific knowledge rather that vague imagery and concepts.
Some of the confusion comes from the word itself. The verb ‘to belt’ means literally to shout or yell. While there are some similarities between yelling and Belting (children Belt in the playground) Belt (with a capital B) is not just shouting!
In EVT, Belt is described as ‘happy yelling’. Perhaps some of the confusion surrounding Belt would have been removed if Ms Estill had simply used another word!
What Belt isn’t
Belt is definitely NOT ‘chest’ voice taken higher. To be honest, if you’re still thinking in terms of head and chest, you’re probably a long way from understanding how to Belt.
Whilst there are similarities between Belt and other singing styles – even Operatic singing – eg the use of body muscles to support the sound, the main differences are physiological and apply to the larynx. In Belt, the larynx is held higher in the vocal tract and the laryngeal cartilages are positioned relative to each other in a way which is unique to Belt.
If you’re Classically trained to keep the larynx low and tilted, you’ll find Belting very odd initially. But learning to take independent control of the structures of the voice is what high-class, modern singing training is all about.
When to Belt
Songs are very rarely Belted all the way through. But all the big show tunes have a ‘money’ note or passage where Belting really is the only option – the song’s built up to that point and the audience is expecting the big pay-off. Nothing but Belt will do!
To answer the question of whether or not belt is dangerous: done properly ie with the correct set up, it’s completely safe. But it’s a high energy voice quality, so it carries with it an inherent risk – done incorrectly, it can cause vocal trauma.
This is why it’s vital that you’re taught to belt by someone who understands the physiological and anatomical nature of the voice and can show you – slowly and safely – how to set up the vocal mechanism properly. You simply can’t be taught to belt by anyone explaining the voice in terms of head and chest.
Learn to Belt – properly
As belt was a term coined by Jo Estill, clearly your best option to learn to belt is to seek the services of a trained Estill teacher. Certified Master Teachers (CMTs) undergo years of rigorous training and examination to ensure that they can teach Belt – and other voice qualities.
Only CMTs are allowed to teach Estill Voice Training in a private studio. Always ask to see the CMT certificate before undergoing training in belt.
To re-iterate, if you want a career in musical theatre, you need to know how to Belt. But learning Belt incorrectly can ruin your voice – and your chances of a career. Learn to Belt from the people who invented it – Estill Voice Training.
Andy Follin is a Certified Master Teacher of Estill Voice Training, based in the North West of England. As the only CMT in the area, Andy is uniquely placed to help both speakers and singers who wish to understand and control their voice.
His website Vocal Skills, has an FAQ section that tries to answer some of the most common topics including How to Belt a musical number.
It also contains a useful article on head voice and chest voice. Check it out to get the vocal skills you want and need.
Take your voice and your career seriously.
