Breath Energy

To have a better understanding of how the breath works, the singer should understand the role particular systems play in creating the breath. 

SKELETAL FRAMEWORK

You may not know this, but the spine is the main pillar of the breathing system. It is attached to the ribs, which house the lungs and diaphragm. We focus on body alignment in singing because of this important relationship. Keeping the spine long aids in ease of lung expansion and rib movement, which is essential to the coordination of the singing breath.

SUBLARYNGEAL SYSTEM

The area below the larynx (sublaryngeal) includes the trachea, bronchi, lungs, diaphragm, and rib cage. Air enters through the mouth and nose and passes from the larynx into the trachea, through two bronchi (branches), and into the lungs.  The body equalizes outside and inside air pressure (the amount of air exhaled is equal to that inhaled).  The lungs inflate more for singing, as we inhale more fully, but avoid filling to capacity.  Generally, “less is more.”

Muscles of Breathing

The diaphragm, the second largest muscle in the body, is a dome-shaped muscle attached to the lower ribs and vertebrae that separates the thoracic cavity (chest) from the abdominal cavity. During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and lowers. At the same time, a partial vacuum is formed in the lungs and air rushes in (think of a syringe pulling in medicine). In daily breathing the diaphragm returns to its natural position quickly, pushing air out of the lungs. During the action of singing, the singer must regulate the outflow of breath to sustain phonation over the duration of a musical phrase. This may be accomplished by contracting the abdominal muscles slowly and evenly. You can feel the movement of the ribs on the side of the torso and some of the abdominal movement, but you cannot feel the diaphragm itself. What you feel is the result of the diaphragm flattening and pushing down on the viscera.  Watch this short video explaining the movement of the diaphragm:  Diaphragm Video

The intercostal muscles attach to ribs and aid in inhalation and exhalation by creating a balanced flow of air pressure. The ribs raise on inhalation and remain raised during exhalation. The external intercostal muscles elevate/expand the rib cage and the internal intercostals compress/contract the rib cage during exhalation. The various abdominal muscles aid in controlled exhalation and breath support and help steady the tone when speaking and singing. They stabilize, or balance, the actions of inhalation and exhalation. The following video link illustrates the muscles of “forced” inhalation, or inspiration. Forced Inspiration Video

COORDINATING BREATH

Breathe easily and deeply. Avoid the idea of taking a “big breath.” Thinking of taking a huge, filling breath often leads to raised shoulders and tension in the upper chest. Feel expansion around the lower half of the body (lower abdomen and ribs in back) and allow the rest of your body to remain “quiet”.  Keep the nostrils open (not stretched) and inhale with a fresh breath. This will keep your nasal passageway open and ready to receive air.

Coordinating the breath should result in the following sensations:

• Full body connection from lower abdominals up to the sternum
• Relaxed, open throat (not stretched horizontally, but a vertical “lifted” feeling)
• A focused, easy tone without a harsh or breathy onset
• Head vibrations felt mostly around the eyes and bridge of the nose (not feeling like the tone is “in” the nose)    

Keep in mind that not everyone is the same in what they feel.                

Want to learn more about breathing for singing? https://www.voicescienceworks.org/breath.html