Master the foundation of great singing with these practical breathing techniques
Diaphragmatic breathing (also called "belly breathing") is the most efficient way to breathe for singing. It provides better air control, support, and vocal tone.
Place one hand on your upper chest and the other on your abdomen, just above your belly button. Your diaphragm is located between these two points.
Sit or stand with good posture. Relax your shoulders, neck, and jaw. Release any tension in your upper body.
As you inhale, focus on expanding your abdomen rather than lifting your chest. The hand on your belly should move outward while the hand on your chest remains relatively still.
As you exhale, gently contract your abdominal muscles. Imagine you're blowing out a candle steadily from a distance.
Abdomen expands outward
Abdomen gently contracts
Proper inhalation creates the "air reservoir" needed for sustained singing. The goal is a full, efficient breath without tension.
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Imagine a string pulling the crown of your head upward, elongating your spine.
Begin the inhalation by allowing your abdomen to expand forward. Then feel your lower ribs expand outward to the sides and back.
Finally, allow your upper chest to gently rise without lifting your shoulders. The entire torso should feel expanded like a barrel.
Scan your body for any tension in the neck, shoulders, or jaw. Release any tight areas while maintaining the expanded position.
Place your hands on your lower ribs with thumbs toward your back. As you inhale, focus on pushing your hands apart with your expanding ribs.
Take a full breath, then exhale on a steady "ssss" sound. Try to maintain consistent air pressure for 15-20 seconds.
Quickly inhale as if surprised (mouth open, silent), then slowly exhale. This helps engage the diaphragm quickly.
The key to supported singing is maintaining the expanded position while gradually releasing air, rather than collapsing as you sing.
Take a full breath and feel the expansion in your abdomen and ribs. This is your "set position" for singing.
As you begin to sing, gently engage your abdominal and intercostal muscles to resist the natural collapse of your torso.
Imagine your torso as a balloon with a small, controlled leak. The air escapes slowly while the balloon maintains its shape.
Check periodically that your ribs haven't collapsed and your abdomen hasn't drawn in too quickly. Reset with a quick breath if needed.
Sustained Note Practice: Take a full breath and sing a comfortable pitch on "ah." Focus on maintaining rib expansion for the entire phrase. Start with 8-10 seconds and gradually increase duration.
Phrase Extension: Sing a simple 5-note scale on one breath. Notice if you collapse at the top or bottom of the phrase. Practice maintaining expansion throughout.
Mastering controlled exhalation allows you to sing longer phrases, maintain consistent tone, and execute dynamic variations.
Before exhaling, establish gentle tension in your abdominal muscles as if preparing for a gentle cough or laugh.
Begin the exhalation with steady, even pressure. Avoid a sudden burst of air at the beginning of the phrase.
Learn to adjust air pressure for different vocal demands: more pressure for louder/higher notes, less for softer/lower notes.
As you near the end of your air supply, maintain support rather than collapsing. Plan breaths to avoid "running out" of air mid-phrase.
Place a candle about 12 inches from your face. Take a breath and exhale steadily, making the flame flicker without blowing it out.
Hum through a drinking straw while maintaining consistent airflow. This creates back pressure that trains breath control.
Glide from your lowest to highest note on "oo" while maintaining consistent air pressure throughout the range.
Consistent practice is essential for developing muscle memory and making proper breathing automatic.
Lie on your back with knees bent. Place one hand on your chest, one on your abdomen. Breathe naturally and observe the movement.
Focus on expanding your abdomen with each inhalation while keeping your chest relatively still.
Place hands on your lower ribs. Inhale and focus on expanding your ribs sideways against your hands.
Inhale for 4 counts, then exhale steadily for 8 counts. Gradually increase the exhalation duration.
Apply the breathing technique to a simple vocal exercise like humming or lip trills.