When most people think about singing—especially in musical theatre—they imagine something lofty, maybe even mysterious. You’ve probably heard the phrase “singing voice” vs. “speaking voice,” as if they are two different things. But here’s the truth: your singing voice is your speaking voice. Same vocal cords. Same body. Same instrument. The real difference? Intent, coordination, and emotion.
In fact, singing—no matter the style—is usually just one of three things: really good speaking, really good yelling, or really good screaming.
Wait… Screaming?
Yes, screaming. That high C6 note that gives you chills? That’s a physiological scream. The only difference is that it’s refined, controlled, supported—a scream with vibrato and beauty. When someone hits a jaw-dropping high note, they’re not defying nature. They’re actually leaning into it with extraordinary skill.
That soaring note isn’t coming from some special “singing-only” place. It’s just the result of a body that knows how to scream well—just like an athlete’s body knows how to jump, run, or throw. And like any athlete, singers need training, stamina, and form.
Belting is Really Good Yelling
Belting isn’t dangerous or unnatural when it’s done right. It’s yelling, but the kind you can do without strain. Think about the way you call out to a friend across a street: “Hey! How are ya?” That’s belting. Extend the “Hey,” throw in a little vibrato—there’s your musical moment.
It’s emotionally charged yelling, channeled and sustainable. Just like with sports, you develop technique, control, and a coach helps you hone the skill.
Singing Starts with Your Speaking Voice
Everything else in singing is really just speaking. We speak in chest voice. We speak in head voice. The full range of our singing voice already exists in our speaking voice—we’re just not used to thinking of it that way. The beauty of musical theatre is that it lets us lean into this emotional and expressive connection to speech.
When we watch a performance that moves us to tears, it’s often because the actor feels like they’re talking to us—because they are. It’s emotionally driven, it’s grounded, and it’s human.
Vocal Exercise: Turning Speaking into Singing
Start by singing something emotionless.
Then speak the lyrics. Put yourself in the scene. Feel what the words mean to you. Try speaking around the pitch level of the melody. Notice how the music gives you a “line reading,” like a scene partner cueing you emotionally. The rise and fall of the melody isn’t random—it’s guiding you to feel something.
Your job as a performer is to fill that structure with your own emotional experience. Let your body figure out what it needs to do to communicate honestly—up here, down there, with intensity or tenderness. That’s what keeps your neck relaxed, your voice healthy, and your performance magnetic.
Make It Human
Singing isn’t about sounding perfect. It’s about connecting. We speak emotionally through our full range all the time—when we’re excited, angry, heartbroken, joyful. Singing is just tapping into that and refining it.
So next time you warm up or tackle a new song, remember: speak it. Yell it. Scream it. But do it well. Do it like a human. That’s the magic of musical theatre—and the secret to singing that actually moves people.
Final thought: Your most powerful tool as a singer is already inside you. You’ve been using it your whole life. Now it’s just time to level it up.
Do you feel ready to unlock your true voice? Experience how it all comes together in a real session. Book a free consultation today!