Fundamentals of Singing - Breath Support
Sunday, September 17, 2017 by Jeffrey Tarr | Breath Support
If there is one area of contention amongst vocal pedagogues, I would say it is the area of breath support. In fact, we cannot even agree on a common name. Some instructors refer to this act as breath control; others refer to it is breath management. I choose the phrase "breath support" because it best describes the sensation that I feel as a singer. I want you to imagine a jewel; it sets a pretty column. That jewel is priceless - it is one of kind. The column is common but practical. This jewel represents your voice - it IS priceless and one of kind; the column represent the breath that we have created and continue to create each time we inhale.
Breath Support -works by engaging the lower abdominal muscles, creating higher pressure in the abdomen and thorax, allowing the diaphragm's relaxation (and upward rise) to be more carefully controlled. The rib cage remains as expanded as possible while singing.
To find those lower abdominal used in breath support simply make an open fist with one hand. Press the other hand into the lower torso underneath the belly button. Now blow into the open fisted hand as if you were blowing a horn and feel the tension in the lower torso as the lower abs are contracted, or as I like to say, activated.
It is important to note that the order of good singing is always: 1. Inhalation, 2. Activation, and 3. Phonation.
I find that hissing is an easy way to find this support. Again, press a hand into the lower abdominal region which is just under the belly button and hiss.
Hissing
- Inhale to the count of 4, breathe out, hissing, to the count of 4
- Then, breathe in for 6, and hiss out for 10
- in for 6, out for 12
- in for 2, out for 12
- in for 4, out for 16
- in for 2, out for 16
- in for 4, out for 20
- in for 1, out for 20 (remember we just need to upon the rib cage to allow the air to rush in, we do NOT need to gulp air.)
