[Guest Teacher]

Yea that twangy sound in particular.

[Guest Teacher]

Lol. In answer to your question, I teach belt by getting people to tap into the sound of calling out (I believe it’s anatomically nearly identical in terms of the coordination of everything – unless Matt disagrees with me…). I’ll start with a really low and comfortable “hey”, which we then build up in volume and pitch till we’re really calling out. The key thing is to make sure that the vocal fold closure is nice and consistent throughout, no unintentional growling. Then I formalise the pitch into an 8 note scale alternating between “hey” and “ha”. Then if we’re applying belt to a particular song, I get them to call out the song lyrics on pitch then get them to make the jump to making the sound more “musical”. I often use elements of Alexander Technique to help release any unnecessary neck tension. Hope that helps.

[Guest Teacher]

I’m just going to persevere. Maybe I’m being too impatient

[Guest Teacher]

I did a bit of research into the cricothyroid but wasn’t sure if this was the issue! Fab to know I was moving in the right direction. Where there any particular practices you used? I’ve tried sirens, whispering ‘oohs’, using in song examples and trying to mimick. This is great! Thank you everyone for all your help!

[Guest Teacher]

Good shout! It’s quite a sensual, sexy song we’re doing as well! Which I’ve told him makes it totally MANLY! Hahaha