Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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What is ‘belt’?
Belt is a voice quality that is part of the natural repertoire of human sounds. It is used by children automatically – a noisy playground is full of belters! Belt is essentially yelling (be it speaking or singing) but the crucial factor is that it is done in a healthy way that will not damage the voice. We often forget how to shout safely, and so raising our voices can lead to vocal strain.
It is not normal, or necessary, to speak or sing in belt constantly, but it is a useful tool to have when needed.
Who is belt for?
Belt is most commonly used in the performing arts, for example in pop, rock and musical theatre singing. It allows a loud and powerful sound (in the modal ‘chest’ register) without strain.
Belt is also useful for people who have to loudly project their voice in a large space or over background noise (for example a teacher in a playground).
How is belt achieved?
- Belt involves a raising and narrowing of the vocal tract, combined with a high tongue back and open mouth, to create a kind of internal megaphone.
- Unlike other voice qualities, little air is needed for belt. This is because the vocal folds are short and thick, and so only allow a small amount of air through. A short instinctive inhalation (as if calling out to someone in danger) is enough.
Belt exercises: Guidelines
- Use the ‘inner smile’ to ensure you are not constricting (tightening up in your throat)
- Think ‘up’ through the spine and feel open across your chest
- Allow the head to slightly tilt back if that feels natural/ instinctive (ensuring you do not compress your spine)
- Feel grounded and engaged in your body and torso (again, as if you were about to call out)
- Don’t think too much about the inhalation, it will happen naturally as you prepare to belt
- Think of a joyful, exuberant sound (like noisy Italians!).
1. Sounds
- Ey
- Oi
- Ai etc.
2. Extend
- Yey-ey-ey
- Yoy-oy-oy
- Yai-ai-ai etc.
3. Words and phrases
- For example ‘hey’, ‘hey, Mario!’, ‘stop’ and other words/phrases as practiced with your therapist
4. Extend
- Practice counting, saying the days of the week etc.
- Practice using relevant phrases/sentences to you
5. In context
- Start to practice in larger spaces, or over background noise, in situations where belt would be helpful
6. Singing (if applicable)
- On ‘yey’, slide up and down the pitch. Remember to stay in your modal/chest register, gradually expanding the pitch range
- Do scales and arpeggios etc. on ‘yey’, ‘yoy’, ‘yai’
- Practice singing songs on ‘yey’, ‘yoy’, ‘yai’ etc.
- Gradually add the words, keeping the belt sound. If you lose it, go back to ‘yey’.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Speech and language therapy service.
About this information
Service:
Speech and language therapy
Reference:
VV/027
Approval date:
27 September 2024
Review date:
1 September 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.