Singing Breath Exercises: The Foundation of Great Vocal Control
Proper breathing is the foundation of all good singing. While many vocalists focus on hitting high notes or improving tone, breath control is what enables everything else. These practical exercises will help you develop the breathing techniques used by professional singers…
Why Breath Control Matters
When you breathe correctly for singing, you:

1

Increase your vocal stamina

2

Improve pitch control and stability

3

Reduce strain on your vocal cords

4

Enable longer phrases without running out of air

5

Create a more consistent, supported tone
The Basics of Proper Breathing
Before diving into exercises, understand that singers use diaphragmatic (or belly) breathing rather than chest breathing. When you inhale, your abdomen should expand outward as your diaphragm contracts downward, creating space for your lungs to fill. Your shoulders and chest should remain relatively still.
Exercise 1: Diaphragm Awareness
Lie on your back with one hand on your chest and one on your stomach. Breathe deeply so that only the hand on your stomach rises while the hand on your chest remains still. Practice this for 5 minutes daily until it becomes natural.
Once comfortable, try the same breathing pattern while sitting, then standing. This body position awareness is crucial for transferring good breath support to your singing.
Exercise 2: Controlled Exhale
Take a deep diaphragmatic breath, then exhale on a steady "sss" sound. Time yourself and aim to make the exhale last longer each practice session. Start with 10 seconds and work your way up.
This exercise develops your ability to regulate airflow—essential for maintaining consistent tone throughout a phrase.
Exercise 3: The "Liproll" or "Lip Trill"
Take a full breath, then exhale while vibrating your lips (similar to making a "motorboat" sound). Try to sustain this for as long as possible with consistent pressure and sound.
Lip trills require balanced air pressure and reveal uneven breath support immediately. When you can maintain a steady lip trill through your entire vocal range, your breath support is becoming solid.
Exercise 4: Staccato Pulses
Inhale deeply, then produce short, rhythmic "ha" sounds using your abdomen. Imagine your stomach pushing out slightly with each "ha." Start with sets of 5 and increase gradually.
This exercise strengthens your diaphragm and develops the quick-response breathing needed for certain singing styles.
Exercise 5: The "Farinelli" Breath
Named after a famous 18th-century singer, this exercise involves inhaling for 4 counts, holding for 4 counts, then exhaling for 8 counts. As you improve, extend the exhale to 16 counts, then 24.
This develops overall breath capacity and control, particularly for longer phrases.
Adding These to Your Routine
Spend 5-10 minutes daily on breath exercises before moving to vocal warm-ups. Consistency matters more than duration—regular short sessions will improve your breath control more effectively than occasional long ones.
Remember that breath support should feel energized but not tense. If you experience lightheadedness or tension, take a break and return to the exercises with less intensity.
With consistent practice, proper breathing will become automatic, allowing you to focus on the emotional and artistic aspects of your singing without technical limitations.
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