Recent Theories and Findings on Belting Production

Lisa Popeil

It has been well-established that belting voice production shows certain physiological differences when compared with classical voice production. Widely agreed upon are previous findings of the following in belting production compared to classical: increased action in the T-A muscle, higher larynx position and longer closed phase. This presentation will share three additional findings regarding belting: higher speed quotient, alternate vibrational mode of vocal cord closure based on high-speed photography and hyoid bone positioning.
Using MRI tracings, the theory of 'laryngeal lean' will be presented, a conscious pulling forward of the hyoid bone in belting production and the possible effects on thyroid cartilage stabilization, translation action and tensing of the vocal fold.
These findings have ramifications in the creation of a pedagogy of belting which is safe, beautiful and teachable.