My focus this week has been breathing techniques. Some of the artists whose breathing technique I marvel at includes Jazmine Sullivan, Smokie Norful, Rachelle Ferrell and Barbara Streisand. Here are 3 ways to breathe when singing that work!!
- l Breathe deeply each time. Focus on expanding your lower abdomen. Relax the shoulders and neck. These all work together inversely. The more tense your neck and shoulders are, the less deep your breaths will be and vice versa. A good way to practice this is by gently swaying back and forth allowing your head to 'bob' from side to side while breathing in through your nose. This helps to relax the body and the effort to draw in air is focused on the diaphragm.
2. Imagine yourself trying to stay full of air while you sing. This is great because so many people undoubtedly feel the need to 'empty' the air while they sing. If one imagines themselves trying to keep the air in while they are singing, their phrases and tone quality will improve because they will now be more in control of the flow of air due to the downward pressure. Some envision this as a bowl movement feeling. If you think of your abdomen being pushed 'out- and - down' as you sing, you will find yourself with much more breath control.
3. When you are running out of air, do not collapse your chest or tense up. Keep your ribcage high to maximize air flow.
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