Previously, in “How Should We Breath When Singing? Part 1,” we discussed the three phases of breathing in singing: inhalation, retention, and exhalation. We also explained the three principal types of breathing.
However, we saw that despite those types of breathing having advantages over other physical activities, none of them is the most appropriate for singing. So, it is time to tell you how singers should breathe to sing correctly.
What if We Combine 2 Types of Breathing?
Bingo! The most suitable breathing technique for conscious and voluntary control during singing is a combination of 2 types, known as “Costo-Diaphragmatic Breathing” or “Costo-Abdominal Breathing.” This technique involves the joint action of intercostal and abdominal breathing.
A vast array of singers and vocal coaches recommend this type of breathing as the lungs and thorax expand completely. This adds a maximum descent of the diaphragm, pushing the abdominal viscera downwards, creating a space to take advantage of the greatest amount of air that our body can take in without tension.
In addition, you can use this as a relaxation exercise when you have anxiety since it provides great oxygenation to the body. That is also why it is the most effective type of breathing when singing.
Let’s practice the Costo-Diaphragmatic Breathing
Now it is high time to practice this great type of breathing, so make sure you follow the following steps:
1. First of all, stand with the correct posture for singing
2. Put your hand on your ribs
3. Inhale air and feel how the ribs expand to the sides while your belly inflates down
4. Also feel how the lumbar area of your back expands down and to the sides to have a complete inhalation in the torso
5. Remember not to inflate the lungs too much when inhaling, avoiding the sensation of feeling close to bursting and remember as well to not raise the shoulders so you inhale totally relaxed
6. Retain the air and slowly start to exhale, feeling how your ribs contract and your belly goes back to its normal position
7. Finally, remember to not exhale too much, feeling a sensation similar to emptiness, manage your air and relax
8. Now repeat the steps once more, but this time while you exhale, start singing
All in all, dedicating yourself to the correct breathing technique for singing, along with practising specific exercises given by the vocal coach, is, without a doubt, transformational. In this way, singers strengthen their respiratory muscles and expand their lung capacity significantly, resulting in singing with power and without tension.
Controlled breathing gives total control of the voice.