How to Do Breathing Exercises

Singing requires a great deal of energy, and breathing for singing has more in common with athletics than with the tiny breaths of everyday life. You'll have to be aware of your breathing and practice it as you would practice any other skill you want to learn.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Music Stands
• Sheet Music
• Voice Lessons

Exercise 1

1. Imagine your lungs as a tire around your body expanding and contracting on the back and sides of your torso, not just the front.

2. Draw in a steady breath to the count of three.

3. Wait for a count of three. Think of your breath being suspended rather than held.

4. Allow your breath to flow out to the count of five.

5. Listen to the blowing breath.

6. Try to keep the flow of your breath even.

7. Wait for a slow count of three.

8. Repeat the exercise.

Exercise 2

9. Lie down on a flat surface.

10. Slowly raise your right leg to an angle of 90 degrees.

11. Breathe in steadily, holding your position, to the count of three.

12. Lower your leg to the floor, breathing out slowly.

13. Repeat the exercise with your left leg raised.

14. Repeat the exercise raising both legs. Pulling in your abdomen will tighten and build up the muscles required for proper breathing.

15. Repeat the exercise five times.

Exercise 3

16. Imagine entering a room. You see a letter on the table.

17. Pick up the letter and begin to read.

18. Act startled by a particular passage and exclaim, "Ah!" The swift breath you took before exclaiming is right for most singing.

on 8/16/2006 If you have to hold a long note in a song, let's say 8 counts, try this: breathe in slowly for 8 counts, hold 8 counts, then release for 8 counts (slowly), then hold for 8 counts, repeat!

on 6/30/2006 Many singers find many of the breathing techniques used in Yoga very helpful. The purpose of Yoga is to "find" your breath. After doing Yoga for a while, you may find that you are able to use your breath more efficiently.

on 11/22/2005 Place a candle on a stool or table. Light the candle and sit a fair distance away from it. Now, try to blow the candle out.

on 11/22/2005 1. Take a peice of paper and place it on a wall. Hold the paper there and take a deep breath. Blow the air onto the paper and try to hold it to the wall, when you release your hand. Use your abdoman, instead of your lungs. Keep your throat open, and hold the paper to the wall as long as possible, then repeat.

2. When your singing in a high octave, or tone, press from your stomach down. You want to feel like you are pressing everything out of your stomach, sickly, like your constipated. I know that's a weird way of putting it, but trust me it works. :0)

on 11/22/2005 Keep your throat relaxed all the way, and exhale hot air. That is the kind of air you want when you play. Also, try to ration your breathing - breathe in over 8 counts, hold 8, then exhale 8, and "crescendo" as you're breathing in and out.