How to Breathe Correctly to Protect a Singing Voice

Improper breathing by a singer causes tension in the throat and diaphragm. Over time this tension results in damage to the larynx. Learning to breathe correctly while singing and while doing other activities improves your sound quality and adds power to a singing voice.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Expand the diaphragm or torso in every direction when inhaling. Make a conscience effort to push out the organs near the lungs as you breathe in. The opposite also need to happen during exhalation. Pay attention to your breathing throughout the day to practice this type of breathing.
2. Place a finger in front of your mouth as you exhale. Do not force air out of the body. Instead, let the exhale flow out smoothly. If you force air out, you feel blast or burst of air on the finger. If you let your body exhale, you barely feel a breeze. Exhale as if a lit candle is three feet in front of you need to keep it lit.
3. Exercise the lungs daily, not only before singing. Breathe in for five seconds, hold your breath for five seconds and then breathe out for five seconds. Practice this until you can do it with ease. Then add five seconds to equal 10 seconds in, a 10 second hold and then a 10 second release. Continue to add time up to 20 seconds. Do not do more than 20 seconds. This puts too much stress on the body.
4. Use good posture while singing. This opens air flow and allows you to breathe easier.