How Should I Breathe When Singing?
Breathing is the foundation of great singing. Without proper technique, singers may struggle to hit high notes, sustain phrases, or project their voice effectively. Learning how to breathe correctly not only enhances vocal performance but also protects your voice from strain.
At Southside Performance Studio, we focus on teaching proper breathing techniques in our singing lessons in Glasgow, helping you sing with confidence and control.
Why Proper Breathing Matters in Singing
Breathing for singing is different from everyday breathing. When done correctly, it:
Supports vocal projection and resonance.
Helps sustain long phrases without running out of air.
Reduces tension in your throat and vocal cords.
Increases vocal power and stability.
By mastering breath control, you’ll be able to sing with more freedom and ease.
Breathing Techniques for Singing
1. Breathe with Your Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a muscle beneath your lungs that controls your breath. Unlike shallow chest breathing, diaphragm breathing allows you to take deep, controlled breaths.
Place a hand on your stomach and inhale deeply, feeling your stomach expand outward.
Exhale slowly, maintaining steady airflow.
2. Practice Controlled Exhalation
Learning to control your exhalation helps you sustain notes and sing phrases smoothly.
Try the “ssss” exercise: inhale deeply, then exhale with a hissing sound, maintaining a consistent flow of air.
Gradually increase the time you can sustain the “ssss” sound.
3. Avoid Tension in Your Body
Tension in your shoulders, neck, or chest can restrict airflow and make singing harder.
Keep your posture upright with relaxed shoulders.
Practice releasing tension through gentle stretches before singing.
4. Coordinate Breathing with Phrasing
Plan your breaths around the phrases in your song. Mark where you’ll inhale on your sheet music to ensure seamless transitions.
5. Use Breathing Exercises to Build Strength
Simple exercises can improve lung capacity and diaphragm strength:
Lip Trills: Blow air through closed lips to produce a vibrating sound while humming a melody.
Breath Timing: Inhale for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale for eight counts.
Common Breathing Mistakes to Avoid
Shallow Chest Breathing: This leads to insufficient air support and vocal strain.
Holding Your Breath: This creates unnecessary tension in your throat.
Over-breathing: Taking in too much air can cause a loss of control and pitch issues.
Proper breathing is about balance—taking in just enough air and using it effectively.
How We Teach Breathing Techniques in Glasgow
At Southside Performance Studio, our singing lessons in Glasgow focus on building strong, healthy breathing habits. We tailor our lessons to suit your skill level and goals, ensuring you gain:
Confidence in diaphragm breathing.
Improved breath control for longer phrases.
Techniques to reduce vocal strain and increase power.
Exercises to integrate proper breathing into every song you sing.
Why Choose Southside Performance Studio?
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced singer, mastering your breath is the key to unlocking your full vocal potential. Glasgow's vibrant music scene offers countless opportunities for singers, and we’re here to help you stand out.
Our individual singing classes provide hands-on guidance, helping you develop the skills you need to sing with ease and confidence.
Ready to Improve Your Singing?
If you’ve ever wondered how to breathe correctly while singing, now’s the time to learn. Join our singing lessons in Glasgow and take the first step toward a stronger, more confident voice.
Discover more about our lessons and book your session today: Southside Performance Studio. Together, we’ll help you sing with control, power, and ease!