Rediscover Your Primal Breathing Power
Do you ever feel like your singing just isn’t as effortless as you’d like it to be? Maybe you struggle to hit those high notes or feel winded after a long phrase. Well, my friend, the secret to singing with ease may lie in something as simple as your breath.
You see, when we were babies, we had this incredible superpower – the ability to breathe straight from the diaphragm. Our little bellies would rise and fall, powering those mighty newborn cries. But somewhere along the way, most of us lost that primal breathing technique, trading it in for the shallower, chest-based breathing we use in our everyday lives.
As singers, though, we need to tap back into that deep, diaphragmatic breathing. It’s the foundation for vocal power, control, and stamina. And the good news is, it’s a skill we can relearn – with a little mindfulness and practice.
The Importance of Diaphragmatic Breathing
Let me paint you a picture. Imagine you’re onstage, about to belt out the big solo in your musical theater performance. Your heart is racing, your palms are sweaty, and your mind is buzzing with a million thoughts. But when you open your mouth to sing, out comes this rich, resonant sound that fills the room effortlessly.
That, my friends, is the magic of diaphragmatic breathing.
When we breathe from our diaphragm – that dome-shaped muscle that sits at the base of our lungs – we’re able to take in more air and use it more efficiently. This gives us the power and control we need to sing with ease, even during the most demanding passages.
On the other hand, when we rely on shallow, chest-based breathing, we end up running out of air quickly and straining our vocal cords to compensate. This can lead to vocal fatigue, pitch problems, and that dreaded breathiness that no singer wants.
So, how do we get back to that primal, diaphragmatic breathing? It all starts with a little mindfulness.
Mindful Breathing Exercises for Singers
I know, I know – the word “mindfulness” can sometimes feel a bit woo-woo. But trust me, it’s a game-changer when it comes to your singing. By bringing your awareness to your breath, you can retrain your body and reclaim that effortless vocal power you had as a baby.
Here are a few of my favorite mindful breathing exercises to try:
1. Belly Breathing
Lay down on a comfortable surface and place one hand on your belly and one on your chest. As you inhale, focus on expanding your belly, letting your chest remain still. Exhale, feeling your belly contract. Repeat this for a few minutes, really tuning in to the sensations in your body.
2. Breath Counting
Inhale for a count of 4, hold for a count of 8, and exhale for a count of 8. Repeat this cycle a few times, keeping your breath smooth and steady. This helps strengthen your diaphragm and train your body to use air more efficiently.
3. Straw Breathing
Grab a straw and gently place it between your lips. Inhale through your nose, then exhale slowly through the straw. This creates back-pressure, forcing you to engage your diaphragm. You can even try gliding up and down your vocal range while maintaining that straw breath.
4. Panting Exercises
Stick your tongue out like a panting puppy, then sing a scale while keeping your fist between your ribs. Your diaphragm should move in and out with each note. End with a long, relaxing sigh to reset your vocal cords.
The key with all of these exercises is to approach them with a curious, non-judgmental mindset. Don’t worry about getting it perfect right away – just focus on tuning in to the sensations in your body and enjoying the process. Over time, this mindful approach will become second nature, and you’ll start to feel that effortless, diaphragmatic breath support in all your singing.
Mindful Breathing Off the Stage
But mindful breathing isn’t just for when you’re warming up or performing. It can be a game-changer in your everyday life, too.
Think about it – how often do you find yourself rushing through your day, barely pausing to take a full, deep breath? We’re all guilty of it, myself included. And that constant state of stress and hurry can wreak havoc on our vocals, leaving us feeling tense and fatigued.
That’s why I encourage my students to incorporate mindful breathing practices into their daily routines. Whether it’s taking a few minutes to do some belly breathing in the shower, or practicing equal breathing during your commute, these little moments of mindfulness can make a big difference.
Studies show that simply being present with your senses during everyday activities like showering or eating can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. And when you’re less stressed, your singing will naturally become more effortless and expressive.
So, the next time you find yourself feeling scattered or vocally fatigued, take a few minutes to pause and reconnect with your breath. You might be surprised by how much of a difference it can make, both on and off the stage.
Putting it All Together
Alright, let’s recap. Diaphragmatic, or belly breathing, is the foundation for powerful, effortless singing. By retraining our bodies to use this primal breathing technique, we can unlock a whole new level of vocal control and stamina.
And the key to rediscovering that diaphragmatic breath? Mindfulness. By bringing our awareness to the sensations of our breath, we can retrain our muscles and reclaim that innate vocal superpower we had as babies.
So, the next time you’re about to step onstage, take a moment to pause and tune in to your breath. Feel your belly rise and fall, your diaphragm expand and contract. Imagine that you’re a newborn, filled with the pure power of your primal breath.
And then, let that breath carry you through your performance with effortless ease. Because with mindful breathing, the sky’s the limit for what you can achieve as a singer.
Now, go forth and sing your heart out, my friends! And if you ever need a little breath support, you know where to find me. The Musical Theater Center is always here to help you rediscover your vocal superpowers.
