Belting Without Ruining Your Voice by Cari Cole

To add to last week's blogpost about belting, I came across this cute little video from Cari Cole, a professional contemporary vocal coach from New York City.

Cari makes three really strong points about how to belt without ruining your voice:
1- Take a deep breath, because breath propels and fuels the voice.
2- Don't hit the note really hard and create tension on your vocal muscles.
3- Open your mouth wider to create more space for the sound to circulate in.

This video describes very similar methods that I use in my lessons, but instead she describes it in her own words and is very helpful.  Belting simply requires proper breath support, lack of pushing and lots of practice! Be patient with your practicing because your muscles need to work out in order to become stronger! The same goes for singing. =)

Hope this helps!

How To Belt High Notes

In my conquest to keep expanding my "pop" style voice and belt high notes, I have found myself still trying to climb through my passaggio and keep a full, resonant "belty" sound. I was always taught to sing in head voice and after many years have developed a very strong mixed sound. But ever since I began to listen to singers on a daily basis, I have started to notice many other types of belting methods.

In my journey to become a better vocalist and coach, I came across this fascinating video.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!




We all want to sound like Divas.. We all want to be able to belt those money notes with power, confidence and ease... Hopefully this video can help us understand the many options (both right and wrong) that we have with our fascinating instrument.. Our one and only VOICE. =)

Record Your Practicing!

Hello Divas!

I know its been a while since I've updated the blog--I'm so sorry! I have been busy wedding planning and getting things together as I embark on my many adventures!

Well, I wanted to let you all know that I will be singing this Friday, August 19th at Full Sail's new venue with jazz musician Johnny Holliday.

I also wanted to give you a quick tip when you are practicing.. RECORD YOURSELF! As I get ready for Friday's show, I record run through's of my songs and then play back and analyze the recordings. I write down parts that I can improve on and note parts that sound awesome! Its important to keep your performance spontaneous, but if you record your practice sessions, then you'll be able to gain a MUCH better idea of how you will sound like! What you hear while you are singing is not really an accurate representation! Only recordings can recreate what the audience will hear!

Hope this tip helps! I will be back soon. =)

Katrina

Diva of the Week: Adele

Adele has the voice. She can belt a song with intense power, emotion and character. She is this generation's rising diva simply because of her absolutely, incredible voice. Sometimes, you're just born with it.

Diva of the Week: Jill Scott

Jill Scott has an amazing ability to manifest raw emotions into her vocals. Her lyrics are poetic masterpieces from the heart. She exudes femininity, confidence and passion.

Being a diva is about being bold. Don't let other people's negativity influence you otherwise. Be strong. Be free and let them be.