The Passaggio - The Vocal Break by Robert Lunte

As a young vocal coach, I study methods from more seasoned coaches in the industry. NATS Member Robert Lunte, who happens to be a fellow University of Miami alumni is the creator of the Vocalist Studio and ModernVocalist.com. Here is an awesome video where he explains The Passaggio (The Vocal Break) in both female and male singers:





It is important to know where your voice sits in relation to the notes on a keyboard. Robert utilizes the vocal twang to help bridge through the vocal break and shows you how to create a seamless and connected tone through the chest and head voice.

This is a great tutorial for singers looking to expand their belt range, create more beef behind their "money notes" and also help you understand what tools to use during this critical part of the voice.

I will be watching this video more than once.. so much info here!

Twang Vocal Technique

When singing contemporary music styles, some singers utilize the twang vocal technique to bring their sound a lot more forward and create a space for the voice to project in a louder and more controlled manner. This is particularly utilized in the top register of the voice to create more resonance, brightness and power. In other words, it is one way a singer can create a belt sound.

Basically, the twang sound occurs when you narrow the area in your throat at the level of your larynx. The singer brings the sound extremely forward and sings with a closed epiglottis. Below are two very informative videos that will explain this Twang Vocal Technique in more detail.

Vocal Coach Sarah Bickel shows us how to create that twang resonance during our practice sessions.

Vocal Coach David Combes does a great job of demonstrating the difference in sound when you use and don't use the vocal twang.



The TWANG is not a register, but merely a color in the voice.. a color that we can add to our palate when we are painting with our voice and performing a song. I agree that this technique is a little funky at first, but its amazing how much power and resonance it will add to your higher register if you keep practicing!

What do you think of the Twang Technique?? Have you tried it? =)

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!