How to Breathe in Female Voice Training

Breathing is one of the most important parts of singing regardless of whether you're dealing with a female or male voice. Appropriate breathing techniques assist the female voice in volume in those high ranges, vocal control, musicality and the phrasing of the song. Learning how to use your breathing effectively will be the difference between a performance flop and performance masterpiece.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Stand with good and correct posture. Lengthen your spine and give your lungs room to expand in front and around to the back. Keep your ribs lifted and head square on your shoulders.

2. Gear up your lungs to be used in their full capacity. There is a simple test for a female vocalist to make sure the breath fills all the way around the stomach. Lie on the floor, place both hands on your stomach and take deep breaths that push your hands up. Fill both lungs from the bottom up.

3. Keep your ribs raised and still. Your ribs and shoulders should stay still and erect with each breath you take. If you are standing tall, your upper torso will remain still. This will give your lungs plenty of room to expand out in front and around your sides and back.

4. Let the air push out your belly, like blowing up a balloon, with each breath you take. Your belly will expand, out on the inhale and back in on the exhale, if you are doing it correctly. Rely on your diaphragm and exhalation to make your stomach move.

5. Practice makes perfect when it comes to breathing correctly. Since this is a somewhat unnatural way to breathe, you will need to practice every day to perfect your breathing for vocal performance. Try different exercises designed to increase lung capacity and support your stance.

6. Keep the breathing steady throughout your entire range. Female vocalists forget to maintain support through each and every note. Support your vocal cords and larynx with breath through your lower, middle and upper range for a great performance.