Description:
We’re using a variety of belt-friendly syllables for the different ranges and intensities we might want to use.
Start off with a mix-friendly syllable like ONE or WHY. If you find yourself flipping into head voice, make sure you’re dropping your jaw and thinking about “speaking into” the full pattern. If you’re using WHY, it can also be helpful to add a little bit of whine or bratty sound. This sound won’t be as heavy as our next exercise, but it’ll set us up to sing in our belt range without shouting and getting easily fatigued.
Exercise: Mix range - ONE/WHY 1358531
Then, we’ll press into the sound a little more with a wider vowel and a sustain. Please feel free to squat into those high notes!
Exercise: Chest-dominant mix belt - Hey there, hey—there 51, 5-1
We’ll extend a bit higher now, into what some might call a twangy or head-dominant belt. This kind of sound is useful when the pitches are way too high for chest voice, but we still want a strong, belty sound. Please don’t shy away from the “edginess” of the sound. You can always dial back that intensity if it’s too much!
Exercise: Twangy/head-dominant mix belt - MY 8888—531
Audio:
Lessons:
- 1: Welcome
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2:
Warmup
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3:
Vibrato & Smooth Tone
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4:
Pentatonic Riffs-Improv Focus
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5:
Belting
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6:
Conclusion
Instructor: Camille van Niekerk
Camille van Niekerk is a singer, writer and vocal instructor in Southern California. Camille began studying voice and performing in musicals at age seven. In 2010, Camille began working towards her BA in Music Education at Azusa Pacific University. She then earned her teaching credential from San Diego State University and taught classroom choral and instrumental music. Shortly after moving to LA county, Camille began her private vocal studio, providing vocal coaching, ear training, and recording for students of all ages. She is constantly refining her skills and methods for greater versatility and effectiveness. When she is not teaching, Camille enjoys singing with the L.A. Choral Lab and Ensoma Creative. She lives in San Diego with her husband and loves going to the beach, practicing yoga, reading, and cooking.