Breathing
One of the most important elements of singing is a consistent and relaxed approach to breathing and breath control. A good singer always produces a strong, even tone and sounds relaxed regardless of how high or low the notes are.
The following breathing method will help you gain more control over the way you breathe when singing and give you a solid, consistent approach which will eventually become automatic, enabling you to forget about breathing and concentrate totally on the music you are making.
A good way of developing your breathing technique is the use of visualization. When you breathe in, think of an inflatable life raft which fills automatically when you pull out the plug. This will help you equate breathing in with relaxation. When you breathe out, think of a tube of toothpaste being slowly squeezed from the end (not the middle). This will help you use your breath economically, in a controlled manner.
It is important to develop the habit of controlling your breathing from your diaphragm muscle (shown in the previous diagram). As you breathe in, let the diaphragm relax downwards and allow the lungs to fill with air right to the bottom.
Then breathe out slowly, squeezing gently from the diaphragm (like the tube of toothpaste) and see how long you can sustain your outgoing breath. The more control you have of your diaphragm, the easier you will find breathing when you play.
- The more you can relax, the deeper your breath will be, and the more control you will have over it.
- Visualize a tube of toothpaste. Don’t squeeze from the top. Gently squeeze from your abdominal area and all the air will be used and you’ll have more control.
- Like any new habit, this method of breathing needs to be consciously worked on. Do it every day, and remember what you are trying to achieve and why.
- Use this breathing method even when you are not practicing. In time it will become natural and you won’t have to think about it.
Remember
- Breathe in = Relax (let the lungs fill naturally
- Blow out = Gentle controlled effort
