What Is a Musical Theatre Voice?

Musical Theatre|Theater

A musical theatre voice is a unique combination of singing and speaking styles that are used to convey emotion and tell a story within the context of a musical. It combines elements from both classical and popular music, with an emphasis on clarity and expressiveness.

Musical theatre voices can be divided into two categories: belting and legato. Belters are singers who use power and volume to project their voices, while legato singers use a more lyrical approach with softer tones.

Belting is the style most commonly associated with musical theatre, as it allows for greater projection over an orchestra or ensemble. The belting technique is characterized by its use of head voice, which creates a powerful tone that resonates in the upper chest area.

This style requires strong vocal support – meaning the singer must have good breath control in order to maintain a steady volume throughout their performance. Belters often have wide vocal ranges, allowing them to hit high notes without straining or pushing their voices too hard.

Legato singing is generally slower and more lyrical than belting, allowing for greater subtleties in expression. It’s characterized by its smooth transitions between notes and breath control.

Legato singers have greater control over their vocal range, allowing them to move up or down the scale without much effort. They also have more flexibility when it comes to dynamics – meaning they can go from soft to loud without straining their voices.

Regardless of which style a singer chooses, having good vocal support is essential for any type of singing – especially in musical theatre. Vocal support refers to the strength of your diaphragmatic muscles (which help control your breathing). Having strong diaphragmatic muscles allows you to maintain consistent pitch while singing, as well as project your voice effectively over an ensemble or orchestra.

Conclusion
In conclusion, musical theatre voices require both belting and legato techniques in order to effectively convey emotion and tell stories through song. Having strong vocal support is essential for any type of singing – especially musical theatre – as it allows you to maintain pitch accuracy while projecting over an ensemble or orchestra. With practice and dedication, anyone can develop their own unique musical theatre voice.