Breathing for singing
Breathing for singing
Proper breathing is the foundation of exceptional singing. The diaphragm, a powerful muscle separating your chest and abdominal cavities, plays a crucial role in vocal production. When you inhale, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, allowing your lungs to expand fully. This action creates space for optimal air intake and provides the crucial support needed for sustained, powerful vocal performance.
The diaphragm controls your breath support
Rib muscles expand outward during inhalation
Controlled exhalation is essential for precise vocal production
Avoid tension in shoulders and upper chest
Stand in front of a mirror
Place your hands on each side of your rib cage
Inhale slowly, focusing on:
Feeling your ribs expand laterally
Keeping shoulders relaxed and low
Avoiding chest-based breathing
Pro Tip: If your shoulders rise during inhalation, you're not using diaphragmatic breathing correctly.
Goal: Develop breath control and awareness
Steps:
Inhale through your diaphragm for a count of 3
Hold breath silently for a count of 10
Exhale with a controlled "tsz" sound
Repeat 5-7 timeshttps://youtu.be/AJGr-vBRf6I
Focus Points:
Maintain relaxed shoulders
Feel rib cage expansion
Create a consistent, controlled exhale
Goal: Connect breath control with vocal production
Variations:
Exhale with "Ah"
Try alternative vowel/consonant combinations:
"Me"
"Lu"
"Oh"
"No"
Goal: Reinforce proper breathing posture
Setup:
Stand against a flat wall
Step right foot forward about 12 inches
Align left foot with right
Press lower back firmly against the wall
Breathing Process:
Inhale for a count of 3
Hold breath for a count of 10
Exhale with "tsz" sound
Maintain lower back contact with the wall
Goal: Develop sustained breath support
Steps:
Use wall support position from Exercise 2A
Exhale with "Ah" for a count of 15
Experiment with different vowel sounds
Mastering diaphragmatic breathing transforms your singing by:
Providing consistent vocal support
Reducing unnecessary tension
Improving tone quality
Extending vocal range
Enhancing overall vocal control
Remember: Breath is the fuel of your voice. Treat it with precision, care, and intention.
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