The Belt Voice in R&B/Soul Singing: Vocal Characteristics & Physiology

This course offers a deep dive into the vocal artistry and biomechanics of R&B/soul singing, with a particular focus on the belt voice—a powerful and expressive vocal technique central to the genre. Drawing from over 80 years of stylistic evolution, the course explores how R&B/soul singing has shaped contemporary commercial music and investigates the unique vocal traits that define its sound.

Through a blend of artistic analysis and scientific inquiry, this course examines the belt voice as a core characteristic of R&B/soul performance. The course presents findings from a global survey of industry experts and pedagogues who evaluated performances by five pioneering R&B/soul vocalists. These insights reveal that belting is not only a defining feature but also the most technically demanding aspect of the style.

Building on this foundation, perspectives from leading vocal coaches and performers are introduced, highlighting the distinct timbral qualities of R&B/soul belting compared to traditional musical theatre techniques. The final section delves into groundbreaking physiological research, including CT scans of vocalists during belted and comfortable pitches. These scans uncover critical data on vocal fold lengthening, laryngeal positioning, and pharyngeal wall mobility—offering a new understanding of the biomechanical demands of R&B/soul belting.

By integrating expert interviews, acoustic analysis, and advanced imaging, this course provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and teaching R&B/soul singing. It is ideal for vocalists, educators, and researchers seeking to master the belt voice while maintaining vocal health and stylistic authenticity.

🏷️ Price £30 (UK VAT inclusive)
🎥 Recording automatically sent to all who book (even if you cannot attend live)
▶️ Rewatch as many times as you like
📜 Certificate of attendance available