Breathe Better, Sing Better

Breathing techniques are key to improving your singing and extending your vocal range.

Maximizing your breath capacity is essential for singing longer phrases without running out of air. The best way to breathe for singing is to focus on your belly. When you relax your belly, it creates more space for your organs to move down, allowing the diaphragm to lower. This not only helps your lungs expand more fully but also gives you better control over your breath, providing strong vocal support. One great exercise to increase the speed and capacity of your inhalation is to pulse out all your air, then let your belly relax outward, allowing your lungs to naturally expand. This should be done with good posture, avoiding the urge to pull in air through your throat or lift your shoulders.

Next, practice slowly releasing air, like you're fogging up a mirror. This technique helps you extend your exhale and develop more breath control. Try this by placing your hand in front of your mouth to feel the warm air and focus on the sensation of slow, controlled exhalation. You can also try a slow hiss on a "ts" syllable, engaging your abdominal muscles as you exhale, maintaining an expanded feeling in your body.

As you progress, practice singing longer phrases. Start slowly, adding one count for each note, then gradually increase the count. This helps you build up your breath stamina while maintaining proper breath coordination. Focus on letting your belly expand as you inhale and resisting the air as you exhale to support your singing. With consistent practice, you’ll find that your ability to sing long, controlled phrases improves, giving your voice more strength and endurance.