Lower body engagement in different registers

 Hey Camille!

I am still unsure if I'm using my lower body properly when I sing.
When it comes to air distribution while we sing (exhale), should we try to keep the lower body expanded all the time with the same degree, even when we jump to higher notes and need to use more air? Some teachers say that we should quickly contract the belly inwards for higher notes to push out more air and let it travel with a faster speed, but it doesn't feel too good for me. I don't feel like I have a good control over the amount of air that comes out. :S

Another issue is that I feel like my support isn't solid enough while I'm sitting, so the phrases can be shaky, I run out of breath and sometimes lose the pitch. Do you have any tips for this? I will practice sustaining breath with hiss exercises, both when I'm standing and sitting. I'm trying as best as I can to keep the good posture, but I also lean forward sometimes because I have my instrument in my lap.

Thank you!

Hi, Teodora! For the most part, I believe in releasing your air slowly and steadily, regardless of pitch. I'd only consider reducing or increasing the flow of air if I run into an issue! Please see below for a few videos on breathing for singing (from me and some other teachers). 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDrhkt8KIA4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1Tj72oNsrY&t=1s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9z-rnZ_OyE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzLV8rVyIBo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwOI4hxEosM

To have good breath support when seated, try to retain your "standing" posture in the chair (sitting on the edge of your seat, spine long, feet on the floor). I always prefer to sing standing, but we do sometimes need to sit!