What is belting?

The quality of singing called 'belt voice', 'belt' or 'belting' is a strong, driving sound produced by extending a strong chest register beyond its natural limits (an advanced vocal technique). It has been described in various ways such as dynamic, powerful and (incorrectly) yelling.

Although the original 'belters' (Ethel Merman and others) were female, men can also 'belt'.

The various terms describing belting were coined in American music theatre and heard in shows such as Chicago, Annie and Jesus Christ Superstar.

Belt as we know it today originally came from the African-American style of music which consisted of spirituals, blues, rock gospel and jazz.

It became popular by the singing of Ethel Merman in the 1940s and 1950s.

Today we identify singers such as Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston, Tina Arena and Delta Goodrem with belt.

Like other aspects of contemporary singing, belt has been the subject of little research to date. There is, however, a reasonable body of evidence to assist those who wish to study it.

Can anyone belt?

There are different types of belt depending on the song and desired effect. The singer's voice type, and their ability also determines the amount and type of belt attainable.

Every voice is different and not everyone can belt. Singers with 'big' strong voices are more likely to produce the belting quality as we know it.

I believe belting is an advanced skill and, at our Studio, we don't apply it until the student is vocally advanced and has solid technique, as well as a sound understanding and awareness of their voice.

Is belting dangerous?

Strong belt does require a lot of physical effort and if not done correctly can put a lot of unnecessary strain on the muscles of the larynx (voicebox) and vocal folds. There are also efficient ways to belt which come with a good understanding of the preservation of the voice, its limitations and how the technique is applied.

There is some misunderstanding on this style of singing, particularly among "classical" singing teachers. The misconception is that belting can damage voices. Applied incorrectly this is correct.

Research tells us that belting can damage voices if:

Phrases in songs that use belt:

Run to You   Whitney Houston from "The Body Guard"

"No... I need you here, I need you here to wipe away my tears, to kiss away my fears no---, if you only knew, how much I wanna..."

"I Run to you, but if I come to you"

I Have Nothing Whitney Houston from "The Body Guard"

"Don't make me close one more door, I don't wanna stay anymore, stay in my arms if you dare.....I have nothing, nothing, nothing,"

Chains Tina Arena

"I'm in Chains, I'm in chains, I'm in chains, oh"

"I Never thought this could happen to be, never thought this is where I'd be, but baby, baby"

Born To Try Delta Goodrem

"You gotta make choices, be wrong or right, sometimes you gotta sacrifice the things you like, but I was born to try, try oh"

When You Believe Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston

"They don't always happen when you ask, and its easy to give in to your fear. But when you're blinded by your pain, can't see your way get through the rain, a still resilient voice says love is very near, oh"

Songs that use belt:

Respect  Aretha Franklin

All That Jazz from 'Chicago'

Reference

Thurman, Leon., Welch, Graham, eds. (2000). Bodymind & Voice: Foundations of Voice Education, Minnesota, USA: The VoiceCare Network.