5 Breathing Exercises - from Easy to Super Challenging!

Summary

In this instructional video, Victoria emphasizes the importance of proper breath control in singing, debunking the myth that it requires a lot of air. She introduces five exercises designed to teach singers how to take in only the necessary amount of air and manage it efficiently. Victoria, with 32 years of teaching and 44 years of studying voice, simplifies serious vocal techniques and encourages viewers to practice these exercises to build strength, stamina, and confidence, ultimately leading to more enjoyable singing experiences.

Takeaways

• 🎤 Singing efficiently requires proper breath management, not just a large volume of air.
• 💨 Learning to 'budget' the escape of air, or breath support, is crucial for vocal technique.
• 📚 Victoria emphasizes the importance of studying her playlist on breathing and breath support for more details.
• 🔍 If your voice sounds breathy, it might be due to air leakage and not closing of the vocal folds, which Victoria also covers in her videos.
• 🗣️ Speaking and singing one beat requires minimal air intake, demonstrating the efficiency needed in breath control.
• 🌀 The 'catch breath' technique is introduced as a way to take in air automatically without overexertion.
• 🏋️‍♀️ Exercises are provided to practice taking in only the necessary amount of air and using it effectively throughout a phrase.
• 🚫 Avoid the temptation to cheat by taking deeper breaths than needed, which can lead to exhaustion.
• 🎶 The exercises are designed to help singers learn to sing through an entire scale on a single breath, building breath control.
• 🏁 The goal is to finish an exercise comfortably, without depleting all breath, simulating the end of a singing phrase.
• 👩‍🏫 Victoria offers a comprehensive vocal exercise program, 'Victoria's Victorious Vocal Exercise Program', for further breath management training.
• 🌟 Breath management builds strength and stamina, leading to more enjoyable and powerful singing performances.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Victoria's vocal tips video?

The main focus of the video is to teach singers how to use air efficiently while singing, emphasizing the importance of proper inhalation and breath support.

Why is it not necessary to take in a lot of air when singing?

Taking in a lot of air is not necessary because singing requires proper breath support and efficient use of the air you have, rather than the quantity of air inhaled.

What are some common issues that singers face when they inhale incorrectly?

Incorrect inhalation can lead to tiredness and weakness, and it may also cause the voice to become breathy due to air leakage and incomplete closure of the vocal folds.

How many exercises does Victoria introduce in the video to help singers learn to use air efficiently?

Victoria introduces five exercises designed to help singers understand and practice efficient air usage while singing.

What is the purpose of the first exercise in the video?

The first exercise aims to demonstrate that singing one beat requires hardly any air, and to practice taking in air easily without excessive shoulder movement or chest bobbing.

What is the 'catch breath' mentioned in the script, and why is it important?

The 'catch breath' refers to the quick, automatic inhalation that singers should use between phrases. It is important because it allows for continuous singing without the need for large, labored breaths.

How should singers approach the exercises in the video to maximize their learning?

Singers should approach the exercises by not cheating on the breaths, maintaining moderate volume, and ensuring they complete the exercises without feeling depleted at the end of a phrase.

What is the significance of repeating the scale in one breath during the exercises?

Repeating the scale in one breath helps singers practice budgeting their air and ensures they are not taking in more air than necessary for the task.

What does Victoria suggest for singers who struggle with breathy singing?

Victoria suggests that singers who struggle with breathy singing should study her playlist on breathing and breath support, and also watch videos specifically addressing breathy singing.

What is the 'Victoria's Victorious vocal exercise program' mentioned at the end of the video?

The 'Victoria's Victorious vocal exercise program' is an audio exercise training program that Victoria recommends for singers to build and train their voices, including sections on breath management and solutions for breathy singing.

What advice does Victoria give regarding the control of the escape of air during singing?

Victoria advises that singers should not control the escape of air by squeezing their breath at the vocal folds, but instead should rely on their support muscles in the front, sides, and back for breath support.