How to Use the Diaphragm: Breathing Exercise 1

In one of my December 2013 blog I talked about the importance of posture. If you feel you have got the hang of it, the next thing you need to learn is how to breathe.

Let’s talk about the mechanism of the respiratory system. When you breathe in, the lungs will be filled with the air you inhaled. As a result, your upper torso will expand upward, downward, and to the sides. The diaphragm, a membrane that sits across just below your chest cavity, gets pushed down with the in-breath. Imagine the movement of a trampoline. Try pushing the diaphragm lightly with a “ha, ha, ha.” Just like these kids jumping up and 
down.

Did you feel playful? Great! Were you able to do the exercise by firming your abdominal muscle (the muscle just above your belly button) in short intervals? Even better!

Try not to tense up your lower abdomen, back or shoulders. Try not overdo this exercise: doing this once or twice a day, every day is better than 10 sets in one long session.

In singing practice, breath management is probably the most important skill you must learn. And sometimes, it is the most difficult thing to master. You may get it within a few months, or you may end up practicing for the next several years. In the case of the latter, please don’t get discouraged.

I must admit, even as a voice teacher, I am constantly working on my breath. At times I feel amazed how I could have gone on teaching people with such limited knowledge about breathing. Oh no! I just discredited myself (Please don’t Unfollow me)!

What I really mean is that, as I grew, the way I breathed changed. As my attitude toward life changed, so did my breath. It may sound philosophical, but it’s true. When I was just anxious to be a better singer (to be famous), I tended to take in more breath than I really needed. I pulled in my stomach so tight that the next day it hurt. I sang longer than I should have; the next day my throat hurt. I wanted to sing louder, longer, be more impressive.

Nowadays, I’m mindful to take in just the right amount of air to sustain my voice. I feel much more relaxed, and I have more mental space to look around the room and communicate with the audience.

Most importantly, I am grateful for the simple fact that I can breathe at all. The respiratory system is such a complex, delicate system – easily disturbed by common colds or other types of illnesses – that many people have difficulty breathing at all, let alone singing.

I will continue talk about breathing on my future blogs and how to use the natural support to best aid your singing. In fact, everything comes down to breath control! That is the most important aspect of learning this art. But don’t worry. We will take every step slowly. First thing you need to learn is to take a deep breath and stop taking yourself too seriously! Hold your dream or ambition softly in your heart. We are going to have so much fun!