I have a freshman who is a belter.  She sang alto in middle school, but I moved her to soprano so she can no longer use that range of her voice.  She hates it because she says she can't sing higher than an A, and she doesn't like the sound of her voice.  I'm working with her, but it is going to take some time to strengthen that part of her voice.

Scott Wickham 

If this helps explain why singing should feel different - producing sound in this style is not as healthy as "classical" singing, but there are ways of manipulating the resonators and articulators to produce the sound they want in a healthy way. This way, they will be able to sing like Annie all they want and last longer doing it. However, they have to learn how to sing properly and that there is a time and place for everything, both choral music and show-tunes.

 

So there is negative reinforcement - you can hurt yourself in the long run and positive reinforcement - I can teach you how to sing like that without hurting yourself (and sing many different styles) and the way to get there - imitate the teacher and/or learn how the teacher wants you to learn.

 

Just an idea. Take it or leave it, but I hope it helps.

Hi, Becca,

This is a tough sell.  The success is contingent upon their being willing.

It is important to "sell" the concept of versatility to the students. I hook kids on the concept of versatile and usable range. I discuss the possible pathologies of belting incorrectly and for too long. I do a lot of talking about how we cannot type a voice until it is mature and in limiting ourselves too early may result in our missing what our voices really can do.

 

For musical theater kids, I talk about being versatile enough to use their voices in a variety of styles, such as Kristin Chenowith.  Those kids who are in musical theater need to hear tunes sung by higher voices: Christine in Phantom , Cosette in Les Mis  Lily in Secret Garden. The other day I played Cunegonde's  "Glitter and be Gay" from Bernstein's Candide.. I also tell them that if they are really serious about musical theater, they need to get a good private vocal teacher/coach now, that school music training is good but isn't enough.

 

I vocalize all my students in the upper ranges and even have them switch out voice parts.  I sometimes transpose songs to where everyone has to sing in head voice.

 

Good luck!

Susan Nace