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Writer's pictureNikk May
Apr 18, 20233 min read

Vocal: Breathing for Singers

Updated: Sep 26

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Learn about Breathing for Singers

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"NIKK MAY: PRIVATE STUDIO FOR VOICE | PIANO | GUITAR is a fusion of vocal coaching, voice (singing) lessons, piano lessons, guitar lessons, songwriting/composition, and music collaboration, combined with a deep inspiration to help students and artists in the most effective and meaningful ways possible."


The Diaphragm

Breathing is an essential part of singing as without proper breath control, it is impossible to produce a strong and steady sound. The most important aspect of breathing is breathing with your diaphragm, the muscles underneath your lungs that help them to move air in and out. A great way to visualize breathing with your diaphragm is to picture a rubber ring around your waist. Breathe in and attempt to push the ring outward. As you inhale through your nose, visualize the ring around your waist expanding. The diaphragmatic breath is the most efficient one for singing. That means the real goal is this: Singing from the diaphragm means that you’re breathing by moving the diaphragm, rather than involving the chest, shoulders or hips.


How To Practice

First and foremost, it is important to understand that breathing for singing is different from regular breathing. When we breathe normally, we use our chest muscles to expand our ribcage and draw air into our lungs. However, when singing, it is important to engage the diaphragm, a large muscle located at the base of the lungs to control the flow of air. To practice breathing well, simply lie on the floor on your back with your hands on your stomach. Breath in (inhale) and your hands will rise. Now breathe out (exhale) and they will lower. In this position it is virtually impossible to breathe incorrectly. Try to breath in the same way when you sing. You can also position in a way while standing where you bend at the waist so you're facing the floor, draw in a deep breath and use your hands on your midsection to help push all the air out on a steady exhale.


Helpful Exercises

In addition to engaging the diaphragm, singers must also learn to control their exhalation. When singing, it is important to release air slowly and steadily in order to produce a consistent sound. This can be achieved by practicing the following exercises. Diaphragmatic breathing: Place one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest. Take a deep breath in through your nose, focusing on expanding your stomach outward while keeping your chest still. Exhale slowly through your mouth, allowing your stomach to contract inward. Repeat this exercise several times to practice engaging your diaphragm while breathing.


Hissing exercise: Take a deep breath in through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth while making a hissing sound. Focus on controlling the flow of air and making the hissing sound last as long as possible. This exercise can help improve your control over exhalation.


Blowing through a straw: Take a deep breath in through your nose and exhale slowly through a straw. Focus on controlling the flow of air and making the exhalation last as long as possible. This exercise can help improve your control over exhalation and engage your diaphragm.


Ribcage expansion: Stand up straight with your arms at your sides. Take a deep breath in through your nose while raising your arms above your head. Hold the breath for a few seconds and then exhale slowly while lowering your arms back to your sides. Repeat this exercise several times to practice expanding your ribcage and engaging your diaphragm while breathing.


Lip Rolls: Take a deep breath in through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth while making a “brrr” sound with your lips. Focus on controlling the flow of air and making the lip trill last as long as possible. This exercise can help improve your control over exhalation and engage your diaphragm.


Posture

Finally, it is important for singers to maintain good posture while singing. Standing up straight with the shoulders relaxed and the chin level can help singers maintain proper breath control and produce a strong and steady sound.


Final Notes

Proper breathing is essential for good singing. By engaging the diaphragm, controlling exhalation, and maintaining good posture, singers can improve their breath control and produce a strong and steady sound. Remember to always warm up before practicing and take breaks if you start to feel lightheaded or dizzy.


Feel free to leave a comment below, share your thoughts or even something you're working on. Happy music-making!


Nikk May

Private Studio for Voice | Piano | Guitar


Singer/Musician/Songwriter/Producer

Studio: Vocal | Piano | Guitar

Performance | Songwriting | Recording | Composition


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