Why have Breathing Exercises for Singing? As we all know, correct breathing is the foundation for good singing. It will help sustain and support the tone which will ultimately lead to a better sound. I have put together some of my favorite breathing exercises called “6 Breathing Exercises for Singers” which will help build correct breathing habits. Practice them for no longer than 10-12 minutes, but repeat them twice a day.
1. Reclined Breathing
Lie on the floor and place one hand on the stomach with the thumb on the “V” on the ribs and the baby finger on the navel. Take slow, deep, silent breaths from the mouth. The chest and the shoulders should not move. This should be a very relaxed breath. Stand and repeat the exercise. The breath should remain low without any chest movement.
2. Three Part Panting Exercise
Before beginning this exercise, put one hand on the stomach and the other hand on the lower rib cage. The stomach area AND the rib area should expand upon inhalation on all three parts of this exercise. If you have a problem with this and find the shoulders lifting, lie on the floor until this breathing feels natural.
Inhale and exhale quickly, making sure that both the stomach area AND the rib cage expands during inhalation. Do not allow the chest or shoulders to move while breathing.
Panting with a Whisper
Whisper the word “ha” upon exhalation.
Ha(breath) Ha(breath) Ha(breath) Ha(breath) Ha(breath)
Panting while Speaking
Continue to pant as in exercise two but while exhaling speaking the word “ha” in the middle part of your voice.
Ha(breath) Ha(breath) Ha(breath) Ha(breath) Ha(breath)
Panting with a Sung Pitch
Continue to pant as in exercise two but while exhaling sing the word “ha” in the middle part of your voice.
Ha(breath) Ha(breath) Ha(breath) Ha(breath) Ha(breath)
3. Slow Inhalation/Slow Exhalation
Inhale counting silently to 3, sustain the breath for 3 seconds and then slowly release the breath for 3 seconds. Keep the chest high and don’t let it collapse while exhaling. Once you area able to do this for 3 seconds without letting the chest rise or collapse, slowly increase the time to 4 seconds and 5 seconds.
123 … 123… 123…
inhale… sustain (hold breath)… exhale
4. Blow out the Candle
Inhale and while exhaling, divide the breath into 6 or 7 abdominal pulsations while releasing the sound “f’ as if you were trying to blow out six or seven candles consecutively with one breath. Notice the control of the release of breath.
5. “S” Exercise
Take a slow deep breath expanding the lower ribs and epigastric umbilical area (the area between the “V” of the rib cage and the naval). Keep the chest high. While exhaling, slowly release an “S” sound. Try to do this for 30 seconds, but never take such a big breath that the lungs feel overcrowded. The goal is to keep the lower ribs and epigastric umbilical region expanded throughout most of the exercise which will in turn help the singer learn how to control and manage the breath. Be cautious not to collapse the chest while exhaling.
6. Low Abdominal Exercise
This feels like an abdominal crunch. Place one hand on the belly button and the other on the abdomen. Take a deep breath and quickly push out the air saying “ff” Notice that even the abdomen moves slightly. Do ten of these and on the tenth, hold in the abdomen. This firm feeling is the beginning of support. Although the epigastrium and abdomen do not collapse while supporting, there is a foundation and energetic feeling in the abdomen while singing.
If you are consistent with practicing these 6 Breathing Exercises for Singers, you should soon feel and hear a difference in your voice. Posture is a also part of healthy singing which we will address in another post. Don’t forget voice warm-ups will be your next step in achieving good singing . Good luck!