In the world of singing, the importance of proper and controlled breathing cannot be overstated. The essence of a powerful and resonant voice lies in a singer’s ability to manipulate their breath to their advantage. Breathing exercises are crucial for vocalists as they facilitate better control over the voice and enable the singer to hit a wider range of notes. This article, specifically tailored for singers in the UK, will delve into the most effective breathing exercises that can help improve your vocal range.
Understanding the Science Behind Singing and Breathing
Before moving onto breathing exercises, it’s vital to understand the scientific relationship between singing and breathing. When we sing, our voice is essentially a sound produced by the vibrations of the vocal cords. These vibrations are powered by the air from our lungs, which passes through our vocal cords. The more control we have over this air, the better our voice will sound.
The key to controlling this air flow lies in the muscles around our lungs, namely our diaphragm and chest muscles. These muscles regulate the amount of air we inhale and exhale, and how quickly or slowly it is done. Mastering the control of these muscles through breathing exercises will drastically improve your singing abilities.
Breathing Exercises for Increasing Lung Capacity
Having a larger lung capacity allows for longer phrases to be sung in one breath, and for stronger, more powerful notes. With increased lung capacity, singers can also gain better control over their breath, and indirectly, their voice.
One of the best exercises for increasing lung capacity is called "deep belly breathing". To do this, stand or sit up straight and breathe in deeply through your nose, filling your belly with air. Hold this breath for around five seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this exercise about ten times.
Another exercise to increase lung capacity is the "breath stacking" exercise. This involves taking a deep breath in, holding it for a few seconds, then without exhaling, take in another quick breath. This should be repeated three to four times before finally exhaling in a controlled manner.
These exercises, if done regularly, will effectively increase your lung capacity and give you better control over your breath when singing.
Vocal exercises To Improve Control of Breath
Having control over your breath means you can dictate the pitch, volume, and tone of your voice. It is especially important when you need to sing high notes, or when the song requires you to change pitch or volume rapidly.
The "hissing" exercise is particularly helpful for improving breath control. To do this exercise, take a deep breath in, and then exhale through a small opening in your mouth, making a ‘hissing’ sound. The goal is to make this exhalation last as long as possible, indicating good control of your breath.
Another useful exercise is the "lip trill" or "lip roll". To do this, take a deep breath and then make a ‘brr’ sound by blowing air through your lips. This should cause your lips to vibrate or trill. This technique helps to improve breath control and also relaxes your vocal cords.
The Role of Posture in Singing Breathing
A singer’s posture plays an integral role in their ability to control their breath effectively. Good posture allows for the diaphragm and chest muscles to fully expand and contract, facilitating better breathing.
One way to ensure good posture for singing is to practice the "wall alignment" technique. Stand with your back against a flat wall, with your heels, shoulders, and head touching the wall. This position forces you to keep a straight spine, which is ideal for singing.
Another posture exercise is the "shoulder roll". Stand or sit up straight, then roll your shoulders backwards in a circular motion. This opens up your chest area, allowing for fuller, deeper breaths.
Incorporating Breathing Exercises into Your Singing Practice
Creating a routine incorporating these breathing exercises into your regular singing practice will help you see improvements in your vocal range and control. Start your practice with lung capacity exercises, then move onto breath control exercises. Finally, end your practice with posture exercises to ensure your body is in the optimal position for singing.
Remember, these exercises are not a quick fix; they require consistent practice over a period of time. However, the benefits- improved vocal range, stronger voice, and better control over your singing- will certainly make the effort worthwhile.
Vocal Warm-Up Exercises Incorporating Good Breathing Techniques
Before commencing any singing, it’s crucial to dedicate time to warm-up exercises. These exercises will not only prepare your vocal cords for singing but also bring into play the correct use of your abdominal muscles, diaphragm, and rib cage to achieve optimal breath control.
One effective warm-up exercise is the "bubble". To perform this, take a deep breath and, as you exhale, attempt to create a ‘bubble’ sound by moving your lips as if you were underwater. This exercise is excellent for relaxing your vocal cords while simultaneously giving you a feel for controlling your breath.
"Humming" is another recommended warm-up exercise. Inhale deeply and exhale while humming a gentle note. Try to make your exhalation last as long as possible. This will engage your diaphragm and abdominal muscles and help you understand how to effectively control the air leaving your lungs.
A third exercise is the "siren". This involves inhaling deeply, then making a ‘siren’ noise as you slide your voice from low to high notes and back again. This exercise helps to warm up your vocal folds and increase your vocal range.
Consistent practice of these warm-up exercises will help to prepare your body for singing and ensure you are using the right muscles for good breath control.
Practising Songs with Mindful Breathing Techniques
The application of these breathing exercises to actual singing is a crucial step in improving your vocal abilities. Use songs that challenge your breath control and vocal range as practice pieces.
One approach is to break down the song into sections, focusing on the different challenges each part presents. This could include quickly changing pitches, hitting high notes, or maintaining notes for a prolonged period.
During practice, consciously apply the breathing techniques you’ve learnt. For instance, ensure you’re taking deep breaths from your diaphragm rather than shallow ones from your chest. Remember to keep your posture straight and your rib cage expanded.
Repeatedly practising these songs with mindful breathing techniques will help you apply the concepts of breath control to real singing situations.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of breath control through various breathing exercises is pivotal for any singer wishing to improve their vocal range. Understanding the science of singing and breathing, increasing lung capacity, controlling breath with vocal exercises, maintaining good posture, and incorporating these techniques into your singing practice are all stepping stones towards achieving your full vocal potential.
Remember that consistency is key, and regular practice of these exercises is necessary to see improvements in your vocal range and control. By committing to these exercises, you will not only enhance your singing voice but also gain a deeper understanding of your vocal tract and how to manipulate it to your advantage. So, whether you’re into classical singing or another genre, these exercises will help you hit those high notes with greater ease and confidence.
