How To Take the Strain out of Belting.

​Have you ever heard this saying: There's the 'money note'?   Maybe you have watched one of those singing competition TV shows and seen the judges faces light up when the contestant sings that last long power note on an high sounding pitch?

If yes, then you will be familiar with the 'belt' sound.   Listen to Worship Leaders Belt

Many popular worship singers use varying degrees of 'belt': Kim Walker-Smith, David Phelps, Matt Redman. In gospel singing belting is a normal standard technique of the genre.  Think Vickie Winans, Tasha Cobbs, Yolanda, Kim Burrell, Keisha Clarke, Tye Tribbett, Donnie, Marvin Winans, Israel Houghton, Micah Stampley. It really is a long list.

In the local Sunday Services, I  often hear many worship leaders try to belt but instead straining whilst trying to reach up to the note. The reason why it is not executed properly is because the technique is incorrect. 

Now some singers can find their 'belt' voice naturally. They are anatomically geared towards belting. I am definitely a belter. I was belting before i knew it was called Belting. However, not all singers belt.  Think Philippa Hanna, Graham Kendrick, Stuart Townsend, Kirk Franklin, Travis Greene.  

Its perfectly fine to not belt.   It is not a pre-requisite of leading worship, but, if you do, what does it take?

8 times out of 10 its the breath

For every 10 students who walks into my office for an assessment, at least 8 are experiencing vocal problems because of Breath Support/Management/Control ( delete as appropriate)

When i hear a worship leader trying to belt but ends up shouting or straining, the first thing I take notice of is breath.   Breath Support is 60% of singing. Without breath control, the voice range becomes limited and pitchy.

Its not to say you cannot sing. You just cannot belt. 

Learn technique

Prolonged poor vocal technique can damage your voice. Belting is a particularly heavy vocal style that can put extra stress on the vocal box, so it is important to execute it properly. 

There is only one sensible way to do this and that is to learn the technique. 
It is important to know that teaching technique varies from teacher to teacher, pedagogue to pedagogue. 

However there are common elements to observe: Breath, Twang, Placement, Posture and Energy
A good vocal coach will break down the elements, teach and show you how to belt correctly.

Tips to Find Your Belt Voice

One way to find your belt voice in to pretend you are calling some out from across the road.
So you see a friend, its windy and you need to catch his/her attention, call out his/her name.

Another way to get the sense of belting is to stand in the corner of the room and call across to the other side.

If you are vocally self aware you can advance along and change to a higher pitch. But only if it is comfortable. If it is not comfortable, do not do it.

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​More Singers who Belt

If you have never heard of the term belting, below is a list of popular singers and worship leaders who regularly belt when singing.  See if you have heard any of them sing. Listen to Worship Leaders Belt

Adele
Beyonce
Jennifer Hudson
Barbra Streisands
Ariana Grande
Kelly Clarkson
Christina Agulier
Michelle John
Lurine Cato
Shirley Caesar 
Katy Perry
Demi Lovato

Hugh Jackman
Bruno Mars
Ruben Studdard
Tonex
Tom Jones
Stevie Wonder
Steven Tyler
Freddie Mercury

To Your Vocal Success

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