Proper Breathing for Singing

I teach breathing in a pretty specific way. It's regimented during regular vocal exercises. The exercises I do work their way up and down the keyboard in regular patterns. So students are supposed to breathe a specific way in between intervals.

I then teach that when we go to regular songs, the breathing process becomes more personalized. It really depends on what the student is singing. There are songs with long lines of lyric, sometimes getting higher toward the end. Students are encouraged to breathe at least once during this line. This is so they don't run out of breath, but it servces another purpose. If a high note is coming up, sneaking an extra breath in can help get you up over the high note. Not taking this breath can cause a student to be off pitch because they didn't get that extra "oomph" they needed by taking an extra breath. Getting this extra energy gives the next note strength, because of the extra volume and energy that was needed to sing it properly.

In general, I approach breathing from a "less is more" viewpoint. You want to take what you need, but not in excess, or you end up literally waisting your breath (no pun intended). Timing is everything. This paragraph seems to be full of puns and plays on words! Taking too large a breath in the beginning means you might run out toward the end when you really need it. Then you end up taking a breath that you might not have needed in the first place.

Breathing should be approached carefully. Don't overdo it, get training first from a professional who knows how to do it properly, and take slow, relaxing breaths in between. As with any kind of exercise, approach it with care.

Of course, I have to say the obligatory check with your doctor thing before beginning this or any other kind of exercise. Only do this kind of breathing after you are properly trained.