Dear Mike, Randy and Vocalisters:
There is little in the literature of vocal research to support a high larynx
position while singing. There is also little in this same literature to
support a lowered or depressed laryngeal position during singing. In each
case the external muscles systems are excessively activated and such
activation places stress on the intrinsic muscles of the larynx which,
basically, are the most functional muscle systems of speech and singing.
Jo Estill's research on belting , while valuable as a furthering of
information on this phenomenon, appears to have been aimed at
substantiating a healthy approach to this type of singing rather than
determining if belting is good for the voice or even if it is a
hyperfunction of the vocal mechanism. Through her teaching many have
learned to belt successfully but always with a high laryngeal position as
she discovered was necessary for her own excellent performances in this
type of production.
It appears that the quality of sound that is sought in belting requires the
excessive medial vocal fold pressure mentioned by Randy together with high
levels of subglottal breath pressure and this is achieved in her technique
through a higher larynx position.
Perhaps the belting tonal ideal could be achieved without a high larynx
position but it is clear that substantial medial compression of the vocal
folds is necessary coupled with higher than normal subglottal breath
pressure to acheive this sound.
This summer, NATS is holding a second special workshop in NYC on Belting.
To my knowledge, Jo Estill is not listed as a clinician. Perhaps there is
another approach that will be displayed at this workshop.
Regards
--
Lloyd W. Hanson, DMA
Professor of Voice, Vocal Pedagogy
School of Performing Arts
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
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