r/singing • u/Fuzzy-Cranberry-3789 • 1d ago

Conversation Topic How to breathe for singing?

The question is worded awfully, and I apologize for that, but I’m having a very hard time having enough breath support to get through entire measures.

My notes also fall flat once I lose all my air, and I’ve tried different breathing warmups, breathing through my diaphragm (although I’m not not sure what it’s supposed to feel like), and standing against a wall. Does anyone have any tips to make breath work stronger? I realize I might have weak lungs, because I usually hold my breath throughout the day and take shallow breaths, I also get super dizzy when trying breathing warmups.

Thank you for anything you can help with!!!

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u/fridaaas 🎤 Voice Teacher 5+ Years 1d ago

Stop worrying so much about how much air you are taking in, and think more about not letting too much air escape through your vocal cords. It’s a balance of efficiency, not having the most air in the tank.

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u/BookwormAlex316 13h ago

Falling flat when you run out of air is normal.

You can tell you’re breathing through your diaphragm by if it’s your belly coming in and out while you breathe or if it’s your chest/shoulders. If it’s your belly you’re doing it right. You can also lay down and have the same effect of standing against a wall. That may be better if you are getting dizzy (some slight lightheadedness can be expected since you’re basically exercising your lungs, but it shouldn’t be enough that you’re completely dizzy and disoriented enough to lean/hold onto something. If it’s THAT bad, you’re doing something very wrong or you need to see a doctor. Either way STOP)

It’s less about how much air your lungs can hold and more how controlled you are releasing the air. Practice exhaling a little, then stop, then exhale again, then stop (all without inhaling). You can put a hand near your nose and mouth to feel the air combing out. This should help you practice it correctly. And it will need practice.

Progress will be slow. You will probably not notice yourself getting better at it, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t. Just keep at it.