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Thursday, October 30, 2008

Breath Control for Singers

By Elizabeth Schohl

Imagine becoming out of breath right in the middle of a particularly important stanza of your favorite song! That doesn't sound so good does it? In fact that could be every singer's problem, so let's do something about learning how to breathe properly.

One of the most important aspects of singing that ought to be taken into consideration by any singer is breathing techniques. Proper voice control is impossible without proper breathing exercises, which allow the singer to retain and modulate his breath for longer periods of time. This prevents choking of breath in the middle of a song and allows the singer to produce a powerful, well-modulated performance.

Good voice modulation is experienced through abdominal breathing which is also considered therapeutic and relaxing. The singer must notice that when he breathes the breath comes not from his chest but from his abdomen. He should notice that instead of the expansion of the rib cage as he exhales or inhales, the stomach expands which indicates a flexing of the diaphragm.

Relaxation is one of the key factors of deep breathing. It is important to be completely relaxed during deep breathing exercises. Therefore, all tight fitting clothes like constricting belts, ties, skirts should be loosened or removed.

When you start to sing do not clench your jaw, tighten your fists, and the leg muscles tense. Keep the body upright and relaxed so you do not feel tense. You want to feel at ease with yourself, but prepared with good posture so that you can sing on cue!

By putting one hand on the chest and one on the stomach, the expansion of each can be noted. It is better to start with a few easy breaths and notice which part of the body is expanding. If the rib cage expands, concentrate on breathing from lower parts like the abdomen.

When deep breathing occurs, exhaling is far more significant that inhaling, as a result the singer must exhale very slowly. Oddly enough, panting exercises can aid the breath support as a type of breathing exercise. When you pant or take fast gasping breaths such as five breaths at a time, you will feel the diaphragm exert itself.

Deep breathing techniques are essential can be repeated a lot during practice as a regular habit. With perseverance and gradual building up of breath, a singer can master the art of deep belly breathing and use it successfully everywhere. Keep in mind that this type of breath control develops slowly so that the singer should be patient.

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