Learning how to sing is definitely a process as the voice is created by many separate physical and mental factors. Proper Breathing For Singing is key! Just think, a person must hear a sound, process that sound, imagine how to match or harmonize to that sound, then have the muscle control to recreate exactly what’s being imagined in their mind.
It’s a highly complicated process. However, there are some essentials that every singer must know in order to sing correctly. Read this article for 6 steps to ensure proper breathing for singing.
Proper Breathing For Singing – Diaphragm, Attack, Breathe, Ah, Oh
- Locate your diaphragm. Place the tips of your fingers a little under the bottom of your breast bone and let out breaths like a panting dog. You will feel a jolt from a muscle inside your body. This is the diaphragm at work.
- With your hand on your diaphragm, repeatedly take in a short breath and exhale it quickly with the mouth closed, making a “hm” sound. This will ensure that you’re engaging the muscle and get you used to feeling what it’s like to use your diaphragm.
- Get the proper “attack”. Change the “hm” to an “oh” from the previous exercise. After you breathe in, if you prepare your vocal cords to sing and then apply the breath, you’ll hear a slight jolt in the voice. Conversely, if you begin to breath too early before preparing to sing, there will be an airy whisper before the voice begins. When you sing “oh” try to do these two simultaneously to rid yourself of the jolt and whispy sounds.
- Stand at a neutral spine and breathe deep. Make sure that you’re standing up straight when you practice. The spine has a natural curve, respect this curve, but do not slouch. Breathe in with When practicing make sure that you create the best conditions for the voice to perform.
- Sing “ah” on a comfortable note, controlling the diaphragm. Sing at medium power and don’t allow your diaphragm to sink too quickly when you begin to sing. Make sure your hand is on your diaphragm.
- Sing “oh” repeatedly, quickly and quietly. This final breathe exercise will help relieve tension by keeping everything in motion if you pay attention to keeping your diaphragm and jaw loose.
These breathe exercises will help you become more aware of your muscles involved that help you breathe properly while singing.
