How to Breathe when Singing: Inhalation

Summary

In this video, singing coach Ronnie Peterson shares essential breathing techniques for singers, emphasizing the importance of controlling both inhalation and exhalation. By engaging the diaphragm, singers can support their voice with a steady stream of air, improving vocal control and performance. Peterson guides viewers through two exercises to help activate the diaphragm and practice proper breathing mechanics. The video concludes with tips for maintaining natural, relaxed breathing while singing, empowering viewers to enhance their vocal abilities and reach their full potential.

Takeaways

• 😀 Breathing technique is crucial for singing and can dramatically improve vocal performance.
• 😀 Proper breathing helps control the air flow needed to produce sound while singing.
• 😀 The diaphragm is the key muscle involved in breathing for singing, not the lungs or chest.
• 😀 Understanding how the diaphragm works is essential for effective breath control during singing.
• 😀 To control exhalation, you must first control inhalation through conscious breathing practices.
• 😀 Inhaling deeply and using the diaphragm actively will cause your stomach to expand as you breathe in.
• 😀 Lying down with a book on your stomach and breathing into it helps engage the diaphragm and build control.
• 😀 After mastering the basic breathing motion, you can challenge yourself by holding the book up during inhalation.
• 😀 A second exercise involves using clenched fists to simulate breathing from the stomach, which helps reinforce diaphragm engagement.
• 😀 The final step is to practice breathing naturally for singing by focusing on diaphragm movement rather than chest movement.

Q & A

Why is proper breathing important for singing?

Proper breathing is crucial for singing because your voice relies on air to produce sound. Without sufficient airflow, it’s impossible to sustain vocal tones or sing effectively.

What is the role of the diaphragm in breathing for singing?

The diaphragm is a muscle that helps control airflow by expanding your lungs when you inhale and releasing air when you exhale. Engaging this muscle properly is key to controlling your breath and supporting your voice during singing.

How can you tell if you're using your diaphragm correctly?

When you breathe correctly using your diaphragm, your stomach will expand as you inhale, and your shoulders will remain relaxed and stationary. This helps prevent tension and allows for better airflow control.

What does the exercise with a book on the stomach help to achieve?

The book exercise helps train your diaphragm to engage properly by encouraging deep breathing. Lifting the book with your stomach as you inhale helps you feel the movement of your diaphragm and builds awareness of diaphragmatic breathing.

Why is it important to control both inhalation and exhalation for singing?

Controlling both inhalation and exhalation is essential for sustaining a steady, controlled airflow, which supports clear, powerful vocal tones and allows for smooth phrasing throughout a song.

What does it mean to exhale a 'steady stream of air' for singing?

Exhaling a steady stream of air means releasing air in a controlled manner, without gasping or rushing. This controlled breath supports vocal power and prevents strain during long phrases or sustained notes.

How can you practice diaphragmatic breathing without using a book?

You can practice diaphragmatic breathing by placing one hand on your chest and the other on your diaphragm. As you inhale, only the hand on your diaphragm should move, indicating that you’re using your diaphragm and not your chest muscles.

What is the purpose of the 'fist breathing' exercise?

The 'fist breathing' exercise helps you engage your diaphragm by forcing you to draw air from your stomach. It also trains you to feel the movement of your stomach as you breathe, improving breath control for singing.

What should you do if your shoulders rise during diaphragmatic breathing?

If your shoulders rise during diaphragmatic breathing, you should relax them and focus on using your diaphragm instead. Your goal is to keep your shoulders down and free of tension while breathing deeply.

How can practicing breathing exercises improve your singing voice?

Practicing breathing exercises strengthens your diaphragm, improves airflow control, and reduces tension in your body. This leads to better vocal control, more power, and greater endurance when singing.