If you’ve studied singing at all, you’ve probably heard about a nebulous concept called “breath control.” What does that mean? Don’t we all control our breathing all day, every day? And how are you supposed to get better at controlling your breath?
This blog will help give you some insight and techniques for singing better by using your air more effectively. If you’d like help with vocal lessons, or if you’re interested in other music lessons in Brooklyn, please get in touch.
What Is Breath Control in Singing?
Breath control refers to the ability to manage airflow in a way that supports your voice. This allows you to sustain notes, control dynamics, and maintain tone throughout a song. This skill is not only important for singers but also applies to public speaking and playing any wind instrument! Singers, tubists, and clarinet players all think about breath control. Breath control allows you to shape and sustain sound while keeping your vocal cords relaxed and healthy.
When you inhale deeply and efficiently, your lungs fill with air that supports your voice from the diaphragm. Proper breath control involves exhaling at the right pace to sustain long phrases, maintain pitch, and project sound without straining. You can improve your ability to control air with practice, and preferably, under the guidance of an experienced teacher.
How Does Mastering Breath Control Help You Sing Better?
Mastering breath control helps you sing with greater volume, consistency, and range. It allows you to produce a rich and full sound without needing to push or strain your voice. When you learn how to manage your breath effectively, you can hit high notes more effortlessly, hold notes longer, and transition between pitches smoothly (this is particularly important when singing “across the break”).
Good breath control also prevents vocal fatigue. Many singers struggle with losing energy or control halfway through a song. With the right breathing techniques, you can maintain your energy and vocal quality from the first note to the last. You can also reduce the risk of vocal injury.
Does Breath Control Vary by Singing Genre?
In classical or opera singing, where long, sustained notes and phrases are common (think of an aria, for instance), the ability to manage your breath efficiently is incredibly important. Classical singers also sing without amplification most of the time, and good breath control lets them project to the back of the auditorium without a microphone. You need to practice in order to do this — if you simply try to “sing louder,” you’ll run out of air and injury your voice in short order.
On the other hand, pop and rock singers may focus more on vocal textures. Breath control in these genres is about emotional impact. Jazz and blues often involve softer, even breathy singing, for instance. Pop singers need to support belting and falsetto techiques — and breath control is the foundation.
In musical theater, singers often combine spoken dialogue with singing, making breath control even more important for transitioning between the two smoothly. Every genre is different, and you need to study breath control to be successful.
Techniques, Drills, and Considerations For Improving Breath Control
Diaphragmatic breathing is one of the most fundamental techniques for singers. Instead of breathing shallowly through your chest, diaphragmatic breathing focuses on using the diaphragm, a muscle located just below the lungs, to draw air deeply into the body. This method of breathing maximizes lung capacity and provides steady support for your voice.
As a practice method for diaphragmatic breathing, start by lying flat on your back with your hands on your abdomen. As you inhale, focus on expanding your stomach rather than your chest. Your hands should rise with your stomach as you breathe in and lower as you exhale. You shouldn’t feel any tension in your body: shoulders, arms, neck, or anywhere else.
Another effective drill is the “hissing” exercise. Stand up straight and take a deep breath from your diaphragm. Then, exhale slowly while making a quiet “ssss” sound, like air escaping from a tire. The goal is to maintain a steady, controlled release of air for as long as possible. Over time, this exercise strengthens your diaphragm and teaches you how to manage your breath flow during singing.
Practicing long phrases and sustaining notes helps develop control as well. Start by singing a simple scale or phrase on a single breath, trying to hold each note evenly and without wavering. As you improve, increase the length of the phrases or add dynamics such as crescendos and decrescendos. This helps you learn how to distribute your breath throughout a musical passage.
Keep Your Posture in Check
Breath control also involves coordination between breathing and posture. Maintaining proper posture opens up your diaphragm and lungs, allowing you to take fuller, deeper breaths. Stand tall, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your shoulders relaxed. Keep your chest open and avoid slouching or collapsing your body, as this restricts airflow. Good posture provides the physical foundation for effective breath control.
Work With a Coach
If you want to sing at a high level, consider working with a teacher. These concepts are challenging to grasp, and you need someone who can correct your technique in real time, give you personalized practice techniques and strategies, and hold you accountable when you slip into bad habits.
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