Singing For Dummies
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Because your speaking voice is so closely related to belting out a song, using the speaking voice to develop a healthy belting sound allows you to use a balance of muscles to create the sound instead of just using full chest voice.

Belting is controversial among singers and voice teachers. The most common statement you hear is that belting is dangerous and can ruin your voice. Of course, any type of bad technique can hurt your voice, including bad technique for belting.

Healthy belting is possible if you take the time to really work on your speaking voice to prepare you for the high-energy sounds. Good technique prevents you from having to use a heavy chest voice to make the belting sounds.

When you’re just beginning to work on belting, you may think the sound is too intense. The feeling shouldn’t be too tight, but the sound may be intense because of increased vibrations around your face from nasal resonance.

When you figure out how to belt, move back and forth between your different styles of singing so you don’t get stuck. Singers often like to belt so much that they neglect the rest of their voice. The top part of your voice — head voice — still needs a good workout to stay in shape so you’re able to move back and forth between your other styles of singing.

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Pamelia S. Phillips is a professional singer with over 35 years of teaching experience. She has designed curriculum for high school students, college BFA programs, and professional training programs, helping thousands of singers refine their singing technique.

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