Question:
First I would like to commend you on the wonderful decision you have made to help others out. It is beautiful to see someone like you on the Internet.
My question for you today is about breathing. I am a 17-year-old male, working on resonance and breath support. The only problem is letting out the air. I understand the air should come in naturally and your whole torso should expand, it is easy for me to imagine a tube being filled up around my whole torso. But when everything is going right, I go to let it out and I have no idea how to control it or what to do. I have asked many people and they just can’t seem to explain. I would be very pleased if you could help me out. Thank You.
Answer:
Thank you for your kind feedback! Here are some tips:
First of all, you have to make sure your chest is open and the posture of your breastbone is optimal. One way you can find this is by stretching your arms above your head. When you lower your arms and relax your shoulders, make sure you keep the chest open and tall. You will notice you could raise the chest higher but that will cause you to be hyper-extended in the back. And, of course, you do not want to collapse.
Place your hands on your lowest ribs at the side of your body and grunt, as though you are going to lift a heavy object. You never want to grunt while singing or put pressure on the voice, but this can help you feel the ribs engage.
Using a “hiss” or long “sss” sound, try to keep your chest lifted and ribs expanded while you exhale a fine, steady stream of air.
The abdominal muscles should stay responsive and toned – neither pushing out nor pulling in. As you get to the end of your breath, the abdominals will contract a little, but not because of pulling in. It is just natural. If you really start to run out of air, the lower ribs might also start to come in a little. However, the breastbone should NEVER lower.
When you sing try to keep the same strength in your posture and support along with elasticity in the abdomen.
For more, check Richard Miller’s THE STRUCTURE OF SINGING.