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!

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. =)

Sing Every Day!

Sometimes I can get so wrapped up teaching my students that I forget to actually sing for myself. I realize this because the voice does get rusty if you don't use it. Seriously! It is important that we keep our instruments active! Just like we need to exercise. Even if we just sing for 5 minutes at a time, working our vocal muscles for that small amount of time is a lot better than nothing. Not only is singing great practice, its also wonderful for the soul.

Sometimes its just great to sing without even worrying about how we sound like. Don't get me wrong; we still need to take our technique seriously or we might damage our voices... But sometimes its great to just let the voice out (make sure its supported) and just sing for the sake of singing.

Ultimately, the most powerful aspect about being a vocalist is that we are telling a story and actualizing emotions. No other instruments have the power that we do. We are all truly special. =)