The Art of Breathing: Tips and Exercises for Better Singing

As a singer, you know that breathing is an essential part of producing a beautiful and powerful sound. Proper breathing technique can help you control your voice and achieve the tone, pitch, and volume that you desire. In this post, we'll discuss some tips and exercises to help you improve your breathing and become a better singer.

Why is Breathing Important for Singers?

Breathing is the foundation of singing. Your vocal cords need a steady stream of air to vibrate and produce sound, and your ability to control your breath will affect the quality of your voice. Proper breathing technique can help you achieve better vocal control, increase your range, and prevent vocal strain or damage.

Finding your breath is essential for good singing - and it’s good for your mental health too.

Breathing Tips for Singers

Here are some tips to help you improve your breathing technique:

1. Breathe from Your Abs

   Abdominal breathing, also known as belly breathing, is a fundamental technique for singers. It involves using the abdominals and relaxing the stomach muscles to allow for a deeper intake of air. By expanding your belly instead of your chest when you inhale, you create more space for the lungs to fill with air. This type of breathing allows for better breath control, as the increased volume of air enables sustained singing and the production of a strong, clear tone. Abdominal breathing also reduces tension in the upper body, promoting relaxation and preventing strain on the vocal cords. Practicing this technique regularly will help you develop a natural and efficient breathing pattern that supports your singing.

2. Avoid Shallow Breathing

   Shallow breathing, also known as chest breathing, is a common habit that can hinder the ability to sing long or loud phrases. When you rely on the muscles in your chest and shoulders to inhale, you limit the amount of air that reaches your lungs, leading to insufficient breath support for these larger sounds. This can result in a weak and strained vocal tone. To avoid shallow breathing, focus on engaging your abs and allowing your breath to flow deeply into your lower lungs. This allows for a fuller breath and a more controlled release of air during singing. By consciously practicing deep breathing, you will develop the habit of utilizing your diaphragm, ensuring optimal breath support for a powerful and sustained vocal performance.

3. Relax Your Shoulders

   When you're singing, it's important to keep your shoulders relaxed and avoid tension in your neck and shoulders. Tension in these areas can restrict your breathing and affect your vocal control. Try to keep your shoulders down and relaxed, and avoid hunching over or tensing up.

Breathing Exercises for Singers

Here are some exercises to help you improve your breathing technique:

1. Breath Control Exercise

   The breath control exercise is an effective way to improve your ability to sustain notes and enhance your overall breath control. Start by inhaling deeply and holding your breath for a few seconds. As you exhale, focus on maintaining a steady and controlled airflow, engaging your abdominal muscles to regulate the release of air. Repeat this exercise, gradually increasing the duration of the breath hold and the length of your exhalation. This exercise strengthens your diaphragm and improves your breath management, allowing you to sing longer phrases without running out of breath.

2. Sustained Tone Exercise

   The sustained tone exercise is designed to develop your breath support and vocal stamina. Choose a comfortable note and sustain it on an "ah" or "oh" sound for as long as you can. Concentrate on maintaining a consistent and steady sound throughout the exercise, using your abdominal muscles to control the airflow. This exercise helps you build endurance and control over your breath, enabling you to sing sustained notes with stability and without strain. By practicing this exercise regularly, you will develop the necessary strength and coordination between your breath and vocal production.

3. Counting Exercise

   The counting exercise is an effective way to regulate your breath and expand your lung capacity. Begin by inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly while counting to 10. Gradually increase the count to 20, 30, or beyond as you become more comfortable and confident in controlling your breath. This exercise helps you develop a consistent and controlled breath release, allowing you to sustain notes and sing longer phrases effortlessly. It also expands your lung capacity over time, enabling you to take in larger volumes of air for powerful and sustained vocal projection.

4. Bubble Exercise

   The bubble exercise is a fun and beneficial technique for developing relaxation, proper airflow, and coordination between breath support and vocal production. To perform this exercise, start by blowing air through your lips as if you were making a "brrr" sound. Begin with a gentle and relaxed airflow, gradually increasing the pitch and volume of the bubbles while engaging your abdominal muscles to control the breath. This exercise promotes a sense of ease and freedom in your breathing, preventing unnecessary tension and allowing for a smoother vocal delivery. It also encourages breath control and helps you connect your breath to the production of sound.

By practicing these techniques and exercises, you can improve your breathing technique and become a better singer. Remember to focus on using your diaphragm to control your breath, avoid shallow breathing, and keep your shoulders relaxed. With practice, you'll be able to control your breath and produce a beautiful and powerful sound. When learning and applying new breathing techniques to your singing, it’s best to do so with the help of a trained professional. I provide voice training in a compassionate and understanding environment without sacrificing high standards and would be happy to help! Sign up for your free Discovery Call today!