Why is breathing so important in singing?

Many singers, both beginners and experienced, do not always fully realize the role that breathing plays in singing. In fact, proper breathing technique is the foundation for unlocking the full potential of the voice, its power, endurance, and emotional expression. In this article, we will discuss how proper breathing supports singing, what techniques to use, and why focusing on this aspect during singing lessons is essential during singing lessons at Music Vox Studio in Cracow.

Breathing is the source of energy for our voice. Without proper breath control, singing can become shallow, strained, or too short, making it difficult to achieve smoothness in singing. For vocalists, regardless of musical style, mastering breath control is crucial for correct vocal emission and protecting the vocal cords from excessive fatigue and damage.

Diaphragmatic Breathing Technique for beginners

The most important breathing technique in singing is diaphragmatic breathing. The diaphragm is a large muscle located between the chest and the abdomen that plays a key role in breathing. Diaphragmatic breathing allows for a deeper, more controlled inhale, enabling effective air management during singing. Here are some steps to learn diaphragmatic breathing:

How to Learn Diaphragmatic Breathing?

• Posture: Stand upright with relaxed shoulders and feet shoulder-width apart. Good posture facilitates a free flow of air.
• Breathing exercises: Breathing exercises: Place your hands on your lower abdomen to feel the diaphragm at work. Inhale slowly through your nose, expanding your abdomen instead of your chest. Exhale slowly through your mouth, controlling the airflow.
• Exercises with sound: Once you master deep breathing, add sound. Start with simple vowels, maintaining an even exhale while singing. This way, you learn to control your breath during musical phrases.

Benefits of Proper Breathing for Singers

Correct diaphragmatic breathing offers many benefits:

• Better vocal control: Singers can extend musical phrases without struggling to maintain the sound. This reduces tension in the larynx, allowing for a clearer, freer voice.
• Increased power and clarity of sound: Deep diaphragmatic breathing provides more energy for sound, allowing for fuller and stronger resonance.
• Protection of vocal cords: Proper breathing reduces the risk of excessive tension in the vocal cords, which is one of the main causes of vocal health problems, such as hoarseness or vocal damage.
• Better musical interpretation: Conscious breath control allows for better dynamics management, which is key to expressing emotions through singing.

Breathing Exercises for Singers

At our vocal studio in Krakow , during individual and group lessons, we focus on teaching proper diaphragmatic breathing. Here are a few exercises that help develop this skill:

Example Exercises:

• 4-4-4-4 breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, and then pause for 4 seconds. This exercise helps control air flow and gradually extends the exhalation phase.
• Candle exercise: Imagine trying to blow out a candle but only making the flame flicker slightly without extinguishing it. This helps develop control over the force of exhalation.
• Hissing exhale: Take a long exhale through your mouth while hissing like a snake. This exercise prolongs exhalation and teaches breath flow control.

Breathing in Singing – Learn in Krakow

If you dream of refining your vocal technique and want to focus on breath control, we invite you to join singing lessons at MusicVox Studio in Krakow. Our lessons are tailored to each student’s needs, focusing on breathing technique, vocal emission, and emotional expression through singing.

Music Vox Studio in Kraków – Your place to develop vocal talent. Book a lesson today!