<p>I’ve had my first experience with serious vocal training this year, and my voice teacher had me working on legit technique first. When I finally got a belt lesson, I found that I had a pretty good belt range and sound, except that if I pinch my nose while belting, especially in the upper range, the sound “goes into” my nose. My voice teacher that I’d studied with during the year said that can be an indication of a sound that is too nasally. I’m home for the summer and not studying with that teacher for the moment, so how can I fix my belt?</p>
<p>I do not want to come off as too unofficial sounding - but, if you have a good, strong belt that sounds fine, then I would try singing without pinching my nose. On the other hand, I wonder if you pinched your nose when singing a more legit style - would it sound a bit nasal? I know that does not help, and I do not think many could help without actually hearing your voice in person. I might ask a different vocal person in your area for advice. Also, see if you can PM Coach C - there might be a good source of help/referral, Good luck!</p>
<p>I agree with mtdog71 - Coach C really knows her stuff and would be a great person to consult. She’s been a tremendous help to my daughter.</p>
<p>You shouldn’t try to troubleshoot this completely by yourself - but hypernasality (overally-nasal sound) in singing often occurs when your soft palate isn’t lifted enough. Also, remember certain sounds ARE nasal sounds - m, n, and ng - so you can’t avoid nasality with them. Vocalizing on “yah” can help test nasality. (Sounds like you know this type of stuff b/c you know about pinching your nose.) Like MTdog says, see if you can find a teacher at home to help you so you make sure you’re not oversinging or pushing your sound in any way - or PM me for a referral.</p>
<p>When I sing in a more legit style I don’t get a nasally sound, it’s only when I belt, and mostly during a song where I’m singing words. If I’m doing belting warm-ups on “Fa” I usually don’t get that sound.</p>
<p>Also, I did try lifting the soft palate more and it solved the problem, I guess I just have to work on doing this all the time. Thanks everyone!</p>