Description:
First, give your voice a chance to lighten and thin. AH should be in chest voice, whereas oo should be lighter (maybe head voice, maybe mix).
Exercise: Chest & head - AH-oo 18531
Next, our goal is “keep our foot on the gas”, so to speak. We’re not intending to flip into head voice completely, but following the previous exercise, it should be easier to access the stretch we need! Whichever syllable you choose, let your jaw drop!
Exercise: Chest-dominant mix - ONE/WHY 1358531
Now, from that chesty mix, we’ll encourage some belt quality with wider vowels. If you feel pain, or think your sound is excessively shouty, narrow slightly toward THET instead of THAT. I also encourage squatting on the high note; that helps you engage your low body and get a little more air resistance for a stronger sound. If you crack, it’s not the end of the world! Go back, try again, and remember to drop that jaw!
Exercise: Belt style - That’s mine 51, 5–1
Lessons:
- 1: Welcome
- 2: Warmup
- 3: Agility
- 4: Mix Belting
- 5: Register Work
- 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.