[Laura]

well, i have no singing or drama teacher, basically coz there are none left in my area, they have all taught my all they know (helpful, i know). so, i want to learn to belt and i gather that its a teaching thing but if there are any tips you could give me that'd be great.

also, any drama/acting techniques would be great. i was thinking of a monolgogue but need some to do, and a source to get them from.

any help or tips would be great, thanks.

[metaphor17]

[Quique]

I've never understood how someone can permanently "ruin" their voice over belting wrong. I can see how one can sing incorrectly or sound horrid but why do so many people warn against it having permanent consequences?

Not doubting the claims nor condoning improper belting without professional guidance. Just curious.

[happyguava]

Yup amen to that.

If you want some monologues go onto the websites for NIDA, WAAPA and VCA - all have audition monologues you can download.

[metaphor17]

[Quique]

But can the damage be permanent? That was really my main question, cause I hear waaaay too many people warn that untrained belting will "ruin one's voice FOREVER!!!" (not referring to you, btw) But I guess nodules can cause permament damage though and can be devasting to a singer due to the surgery and recovery time.

I guess people mostly mean that untrained belting can "ruin" your voice as it's often hard to overcome bad habits. Or some people may be oblivious to their errors and think they sound good when they actual are doing it all wrong. But I don't think most untrained belters can cause severe life-long physical damage to their vocal chords over trial and error. I could be wrong. I was just curious as I am no singing expert and have always thought it strange that people claim that all the time.

People have used Idina Menzel as an example of someone who has permanently ruined her voice forever due to belting it out wrong in Wicked - claims I think are full of sh*t. She can obviously still sing wonderfully. And whatever weak performances she may have done that signaled to others she ruined her voice were merely just off nights or TEMPORARY vocal strain which is something normal.

[metaphor17]

[Quique]

Omg...that's terrible. It's like a horror story. I'm one of those people who never had training and taught myself to belt and basically sing. I have a way to go as I still detect flaws in my singing and I'm very sure proper training will iron out all of those flaws. I guess I'm too old now ( 28 ) to go about ruining my voice like that as I've been singing without training for years and my voice isn't "ruined" in any way. I have lots of very bad habits, but that's a completely different thing.

My heart goes out to your friend!

[metaphor17]

oh, my friend's doing all right, she's living in LA with her agent now and she's having a great time so that turned out for the best, I suppose

maybe she was just a rare exception... delicate vocal chords or something

[Robinflamingo]