An Exasperating IssueAn Exasperating Issue

Breathing & Breath Support

Breathing & Breath Support

What’s It All About?What’s It All About?

BUT…BUT…

Breathing and breath control are the foundation of singingBreathing correctly is the only way to sing naturally, easily, and comfortablyThe breath controls the quality of sound

What isn’t it all about?What isn’t it all about?

There has never been just one correct way to do itThe old masters had hardly anything to say about it

Comparatively of only minor importanceWasteful to spend much lesson time on breathing alone

Importance:Importance:Not MuchNot Much

The lungs are like pair of bellows (and serves the same purpose), or…Like empty sacks, and the air drops in like a weight, from bottom to topThe vocal cords are an “escape valve” only

DefinitionsDefinitions

Clavicular BreathingCostal BreathingDiaphragmatic (or Intercostal) Breathing

Types of BreathingTypes of Breathing

A system of inspiration whereby the upper parts of the chest are raised while the diaphragm is drawn in. The effect of this method is first to interfere with, and then destroy, the effective coordination of the vocal organs

Clavicular BreathingClavicular Breathing

Creates tensionOnly incomplete inspiration (breathing in) is possibleOften indicative of lack of breath (”runner’s breath”)

Clavicular BreathingClavicular Breathing

Basically used for the purposes of daily livingFor the purposes of singing, it is normal as long as the musical expression does not include dramatic episodes, or phrases to be sung con grande expansioneMany teachers do not advise this

Costal BreathingCostal Breathing

Also called thoracic or intercostal breathingA breath taken with an outward movement of the lower ribs that fills the lungs to their fullest capacity

Diaphragmatic BreathingDiaphragmatic Breathing

Vocal cords are free to vibrate without interfering with the glottal movementsMore breath can be inhaled*Regulates the apoggio (deep breath)Provides a constant stream of pressureCreates a feeling of expansion

Diaphragmatic BreathingDiaphragmatic Breathing

Advantages:

Everybody has to learn itRigidity of the spinal column does not “helpChest and shoulders must be “quiet”Be a “marionette” puppet

PosturePosture

This may be a bit extreme…

PosturePosture

Immediate pressure of air should be felt against the chestDiaphragm presses air against the “chest box,” then upThe throat must not be allowed to shut the air off

SensationsSensations

Register will balance wellProblems can start happen in an unprepared throatBreath is used much more efficientlyBelly will indicate proper drawing of the breath

Sensations (continued)Sensations (continued)

With no foundation, the breath is shaky and unstableToo much breathing practice may be hazardous to your healthIt is possible to over-develop the diaphragmNasal breathing is inefficient

Things to Watch ForThings to Watch For

The body should not really be completely relaxedThe best-trained voice can be overusedIt is possible to get too much airPosture! Posture! Posture! But not too much posture!White voice (falsetto)

More Things to Watch ForMore Things to Watch For

In through the nose, out the mouthKeep the throat openEliminate throatiness by attacking from the diaphragmKeep the throat openUse staccato to check breath pressureKeep the lungs thoroughly filled, or inhale with small puffsDid I say keep the throat open?

Exercise PracticesExercise Practices

1. Posturea. Flexible, stretched spineb. Uplifted chest before and during

singing2. Tonal Concept

c. Before inhalationd. Breath conservatism

3. Feeling Associationse. Spinal stretchf. Expansive lift at the waistlineg. Steady sensation of the

diaphragm

Rules for Breath ControlRules for Breath Control

InhalationPhonationSuspensionRecovery

Phases of SingingPhases of Singing

The key to proper breath controlMust not be nervous or tenseBe physical and positiveInhale deeply, easily, quietly

InhalationInhalation

A moment in the music when the inflowing column of breath is stopped in balance, neither moving in nor out, while the throat (vocal cords) remains open preceding the attack.

SuspensionSuspension

The making of vocal soundStarts with the tonal attackBreath cannot be held back at this pointIn diminishing the tone, the throat remains just as opened as crescendoing

PhonationPhonation

The of relaxation and rest, perhaps very slight, following the end of one phrase and preceding the beginning of anotherThere is a feeling of grief “letting go” of the diaphragm and all muscles around the lower rib lineThe chest remains eternally high and quiet

RecoveryRecovery