7 Signs You’re Breathing Correctly as a Singer

Breathing Engages Your Diaphragm

The diaphragm is the main breathing muscle singers rely on to inhale air properly. Located under your lungs, the diaphragm pulls down when you breathe in, allowing the lungs to expand with air.

If you’re engaging your diaphragm correctly as you inhale, you’ll notice the following signs:

• Your stomach and lower abs will expand outwards rather than your chest rising. Place a hand on your stomach to feel it inflate as you breathe.
• Your chest and shoulders will stay relatively still and relaxed. They should not rise dramatically as you inhale.
• You’ll feel an outward stretching sensation around your lower ribs and torso rather than tension in your upper body.

Keeping the chest and shoulders still while the diaphragm pulls down creates more space for the lungs to expand fully. This is key for supporting long vocal phrases on single breaths.

How to Engage Your Diaphragm

Engaging the diaphragm properly takes practice, especially if you aren’t used to breathing from your stomach area. Here are some tips:

• When you inhale, focus on feeling your stomach push outward rather than your chest rising. You can place a hand on your stomach to feel it expand.
• Tuck your pelvis slightly and bend your knees to anchor your breath low in your body.
• Inhale through your nose, allowing breath to drop deep into your torso.
• Slow your inhale down, allowing your full lung capacity to fill up from the bottom.

With consistent practice, diaphragmatic breathing will start to feel natural. Be patient as you retrain your body’s instinct to “chest breathe.”

Benefits of Diaphragmatic Breathing

Learning to properly engage your diaphragm when breathing offers many advantages for singers including:

• Greater lung expansion and capacity – Allows you to take in more air to support longer vocal phrases.
• More vocal control – A steady stream of exhaled air makes it easier to control pitch/tone.
• Greater breath efficiency – Less effort and tension to inhale enough air.
• Less vocal strain – Reduced pressure on vocal cords thanks to muscular breath support.
• Stress reduction – Diaphragmatic breathing triggers a relaxation response.

Make activating your diaphragm an essential element of your warmup routines. With consistent practice, it becomes second nature.

Exhaling is Controlled and Complete

It’s just as important to focus on proper exhaling technique, not just the initial breath in. As you sing, you’ll need to sustain notes on a controlled stream of air by engaging your core muscles.

Signs you’re exhaling correctly include:

• A steady, continuous stream of air comes out as you sing rather than sporadic puffs.
• You feel a gentle engagement in your lower abdominal muscles as you exhale rather than tension in your throat or upper chest.
• Your exhales are complete, with no air left in your lungs by the end. However, avoid fully deflating down to your residual volume.
• Notes sound steady and consistent without wavering or losing power at the end.

Don’t exhale too quickly or else you’ll run out of breath support too soon. Utilize your abdominal muscles to control and sustain your airflow.

Tips for Controlled Exhales

Here are some helpful pointers for mastering controlled exhales:

• Release air at an even, measured pace rather than pushing it out forcefully. Imagine you’re slowly deflating a balloon.
• Say or sing the letter “H” to simulate the steady airstream needed to support singing.
• Anchor breath low by keeping your torso expanded. Avoid collapsing inward.
• Use less air pressure and engage your core for support, reducing throat and chest tension.
• Practice sustaining long notes and phrases on single exhales. Work up gradually in length.

Recording yourself while doing breath exercises can reveal if your exhales are uncontrolled or noisy. Target any tension detected.

Benefits of Controlled Exhales

Developing a controlled, engaged exhale technique offers advantages like:

• Prevents vocal strain – Reduces pressure and tension on the vocal cords.
• Supports steady tone – Provides consistent breath flow to sustain smooth vocal pitch.
• Greater efficiency – Less wasted air so you don’t tire out as quickly.
• Vocal agility – Makes rapid note changes easier without running out of air.
• Musicality – Allows dynamic and tonal variation so you can interpret songs expressively.

Practice exhale control exercises like sirens, lip trills, and long tones daily. Be patient; mastering the exhale is challenging but very rewarding.

No Tension in the Neck and Shoulders

Full, free breathing requires that the pathways for air remain open and relaxed. When muscles in the neck and shoulders become tense, it restricts how much air singers can inhale and control.

Here are signs your neck and shoulders are tension-free when breathing:

• Shoulders remain down and back without hunching upwards.
• The neck feels long, the spine aligned, and the head level rather than jutting forward.
• No feeling of tightness or discomfort in the neck, jaw, or upper back.
• You can turn or tilt your head freely without impediment when breathing.

Monitor your neck and shoulders as you inhale and exhale. Release any tension detected by rolling your shoulders back or gently stretching your neck. Proper alignment also plays a role in keeping the airways open.

Exercises to Release Neck and Shoulder Tension

It’s common for singers to unconsciously tense up in the neck, jaw, and shoulders while practicing. This impedes airflow and vocal freedom.

Try these exercises to encourage release:

• Chin tucks – Lift chest then gently draw chin straight back to elongate spine. Hold for 5 counts.
• Shoulder rolls – Lift shoulders, roll back then down in a fluid circle movement. Repeat 4-5 times.
• Side-to-side neck stretch – Gently tilt head toward each shoulder, feeling stretch but not pain.
• Jaw releases – Drop mouth open and relax jaw muscles. No tension.

Also, be aware of tension triggers like forward head position, slouching, or shoulder hiking. Stop to release any tight spots frequently.

Benefits of Releasing Physical Tension

Letting go of excess physical tension offers perks like:

• Maximizes breath capacity – More space for lungs to expand without constriction.
• Enables vocal freedom – Voice can fully resonate without a choked airway.
• Prevents injury – Less risk of muscle strain or damage to vocal cords.
• Greater endurance – Easy breathing prevents fatigue from working too hard.
• Confidence boost – Not fighting your body leads to feeling more comfortable performing.

Stay vigilant about physical tension, especially when practicing challenging vocal passages. Check for tension triggers regularly.

Breaths are Deep and Full

As singers, we want to maximize our lung capacity with each breath to have enough air to sustain longer vocal lines. Shallow breathing is inefficient for singing and won’t support your best sound.

Indications you’re taking full, deep breaths include:

• Your inhales engage your entire lung capacity, expanding your rib cage fully.
• You allow extra time for a bigger, more relaxed inhale rather than a rushed gasp of air.
• Avoid tension or discomfort in your torso; deep breathing should feel expansive but not forced.
• Can sustain exhales steadily for longer phrases without running out early.

Practice inhaling for four counts, filling up from the bottom of your lungs to the top. Exhale slowly over eight counts. Deep breathing takes patience but enables vocal control.

Tips for Developing Deep Inhalation

Many new singers initially take quick, shallow breaths into the upper chest rather than slower, fuller inhales. Here’s how to retrain your breathing muscles:

• Inhale through the nose, visualizing sending breath deep behind your naval.
• Place hands on lower ribs and focus on laterally expanding them on the inhale.
• Draw breath down your torso in stages – first lower abs, then middle ribs, finishing by lightly filling the upper chest.
• Count to 4 on the inhale, making it smooth and gradual. Suspend the inhale briefly.
• Purse lips on exhale, controlling breath out from the core over 8 counts.

Be patient with yourself as you practice scaling back inhales gradually. The lungs strengthen over time.

Benefits of Deep Breathing for Singers

Deep inhalation advantages include:

• Vocal stamina – More onboard air means longer phrases sung per breath.
• Greater volume and projection – Full lungs lend power to vocal tone.
• Pitch control – A steady stream of exhaled air makes controlling notes easier.
• Tension reduction – Slow, full breaths activate the relaxation response.
• Cardio benefits – Deep breathing massages internal organs and improves circulation.

Keep breaths low and allow ample time to inhale fully. Avoid tension and focus on rib expansion.

No Collapsing or Heaving of Chest

For efficient technique, the chest should move minimally as you breathe. Exaggerated upward or inward chest movements are unproductive and waste air.

Signs of proper chest alignment during breathing for singing:

• Your chest expands slightly on inhales but does not rise dramatically up and down.
• Ribs lift subtly but your chest does not “pump” in and out.
• Breath is directed low into the stomach rather than the upper chest.
• The chest remains broad, open, and lifted without caving inwards.

Maintaining chest alignment and stability anchors breath lower so you can access your full lung capacity.

Avoid Chest Breathing Habits

Many untrained singers unknowingly “chest breathe,” causing issues like:

• Shoulders and upper chest rise and fall with each inhale.
• Ribs pump in and out rather than gently lifting.
• Upper chest tightens due to overexpansion.
• Not enough lower lung capacity is used.
• Struggling for full, sustained exhales.

Here are some tips to break chest breathing habits:

• Wear loose clothing so your chest can expand freely.
• Inhale through the nose; exhale through pursed lips to control airflow.
• Suspend inhales briefly; focus on sending breath low behind naval.
• Slow inhale pace to fill the lower lungs fully before allowing the upper chest to engage.
• Anchor elbows at the waist and keep low ribs lifted to discourage chest heaving.

Be patient; it takes time to retrain instincts. Keep your chest stable as you direct breath into your lower torso.

Benefits of Stable Chest Alignment When Breathing

Mastering chest stability has advantages like:

• Greater lung capacity – Allows fuller inhales without strain or restriction.
• Vocal power and control – Anchored breath provides solid support.
• Greater efficiency – Wastes less air so tires less easily.
• Prevents injury – Reduces risk of intercostal muscle strain.
• Confidence boost – Not fighting your body leads to feeling more at ease performing.

Keep your chest lifted but stable as you send breath low into your stomach and back ribs. Be aware of posture.

No Audible Breathing Sound

Breathing correctly while singing produces no noticeable sound on the inhale or exhale. Hissing, gasping, or raspy breathing noises suggest air is being wasted rather than directed efficiently.

Here’s what quiet, controlled breathing sounds like:

• Inhales are fairly silent, without a noticeable hiss or opening of the mouth. Just the sound of air filling the lungs.
• Exhales happen evenly over each sung note without audible puffing or pushing.
• There is no raspy sound in the throat from tense muscles or forced breath.
• Phrases transition smoothly without an abrupt gasp between breaths.

Recording yourself while practicing breathing can help detect any subtle noises. Eliminate tension or pressure; efficient breathing is nearly silent.

Identify and Eliminate Audible Breath Sounds

Here are some common breath sound issues singers encounter and how to address them:

• Inhale hiss – Jaw or throat tension. Release muscles. Inhale slowly through the nose.
• Raspy inhale/exhale – Forced breath-straining vocal cords. Reduce effort.
• Gasp between phrases – Rushed noisy inhale. Pause silently before a smooth nasal inhale.
• Exhale puffing – Control airflow from core muscles instead of pushing from the chest. Suspend and control exhales.
• Tense vocal onset – Gentle breath attacks. Imagine sighing or yawning on the first sung tone.

Be patient identifying and reducing breath sounds. Untensing physical tension is key.

Benefits of Quiet Breathing

Silent breathing offers advantages like:

• Vocal control – Excess sound indicates wasted air rather than controlled flow.
• Musicality – Smooth transitions between vocal lines.
• Confidence boost – Not fighting your body leads to feeling more at ease performing.
• Professionalism – Controlled breathing has a polished, elegant impression.
• Audio engineer friendly – Eliminates issues with gaining microphones or noise.

Keep recording yourself to monitor progress reducing breath sounds. Target any subtle tension or pressure.

Alignment Allows Full Breath

Posture impacts breathing, so maintaining proper alignment sets you up for optimal inhales. Your head, neck, shoulders, and torso positioning influence how freely air can fill your lungs.

Signs your body alignment aids breath capacity:

• Head balanced evenly over shoulders without jutting forward.
• Chest lifted and expanded without hunching or concaving inward.
• The pelvis is tucked slightly under to anchor breath low in the torso.
• Shoulders down and back to open front and back rib expansion.

Practice singing while seated with your back away from the chair. Place your hand against a wall to feel the proper spinal position. Proper alignment lets air flow easily.

Elements of Ideal Posture for Singers

Here are key posture pointers for singers to maximize breathing:

Head and Neck

• The crown of the head lifts gently toward the ceiling
• Chin tucks slightly to elongate the back of the neck
• Ears align over shoulders rather than in front

Shoulders and Chest

• Shoulders pull down and back opening chest
• Lift sternum creating a spacious rib cage
• Expand lower ribs 360 degrees

Spinal Alignment

• Sit tall growing out of waste
• Neutral pelvis to avoid arching lower back
• Allow natural spinal curves without rigidity

Knee and Foot Grounding

• Soft bend in knees
• Even weight into feet’s arches and tripod base

Check alignments against a wall or instructor feedback regularly. Good posture sets up efficient breathing.

Benefits of Ideal Posture for Singers

Beyond aiding breath capacity, good alignment also:

• Helps support and project vocal tone.
• Reduces strain and fatigue.
• Boosts confidence and presence.
• Looks polished and professional.
• Is injury preventative?
• Enables ease of movement.

Keep these posture pointers in mind as you practice breathing. Adjust any misalignments gently without tension. Automate good habits.

Conclusion

As we’ve explored in this extensive guide, proper breathing technique serves as the bedrock for developing as a singer. Don’t underestimate its importance!

Pay close attention to these 8 vital signs to ensure you’re supporting your voice correctly with each inhale and exhale:

• The diaphragm expands downwards and outwards
• Controlled, complete exhales
• No neck or shoulder tension
• Deep, full inhalations
• Stable chest alignment
• Silent inhale/exhales
• Good posture

Be patient with yourself as you continually refine breath support. Record often to catch subtle issues. Proper alignment and releasing physical tension are key facilitators.

Implementing these guidelines for efficient breathing will aid all singers seeking to minimize strain, access their full vocal potential, and develop mastery of their instrument.

What other breathing for-singing questions do you have? Share in the comments below!

FAQ

What is diaphragmatic breathing?

Diaphragmatic breathing is when the diaphragm muscle engages to pull air deep into the lower lungs upon inhalation. The abdomen expands outward rather than the chest rising dramatically.

How can I take deeper breaths?

Focus on sending inhales low behind your navel, allowing time to expand your ribs laterally and then fill your upper chest. Suspend inhales briefly. Anchor elbows at the waist to prevent chest overexpansion.

What causes audible breathing when singing?

Hissing, raspy sounds or puffing noises happen from inefficient, tense breathing. Identify the sound then release tension in the jaw, throat, shoulders, or vocal cords. Inhale slowly, and exhale measuredly.

How can I stop chest heaving?

Inhale through the nose, directing breath low by tucking the pelvis and keeping ribs lifted. Control exhales from the core. Anchor elbows at the waist. Allow only subtle upper chest expansion once the lower lungs fill.

What is vocal cord closure?

Vocal cord closure refers to the vocal cords in the larynx fully meeting when breathing to prevent air from escaping. Tension, weak breath support, or poor cord closure can cause air leakage noises.

How does alignment impact breathing?

Good posture like a lifted chest, tucked pelvis, stable spine, and grounded feet enables maximum rib expansion and unrestricted lung capacity. Whereas slouching or forwarding restricts airflow.

What muscles support breath control?

Core muscles like the transverse abdominis, obliques, pelvic floor, and lower back help regulate measured exhales. Avoid pushing air solely from the chest.