We breathe more or less unconsciously. But good breath control is essential if you are to sing well.
In classical singing, airflow is how singers control their breath during singing. It’s important for vocal control, support, and resonance. Here are some points to note about airflow:
- Breath support: You can develop strong breath support by engaging specific muscles to control the release of air. Good support gives stability and power to the voice.
- Inhalation: You should take deep breaths and fill your lungs fully. This helps you to maintain a steady flow of air during singing.
- Exhalation: You need to release air in a controlled manner, ensuring a consistent flow throughout a phrase.
- Resistance and control: You acheive this by balancing the airflow with opposing muscles to regulate it effectively.
- Efficiency: You need to aim for a balanced airflow that’s not too much or too little for the vocal demands. Excessive airflow can cause strain, while insufficient airflow can limit resonance.
- Articulation and resonance: The vocal tract shapes the airflow to create different vowel sounds and resonant qualities by adjusting the tongue, soft palate, and other structures.
- Dynamic control: Skilled singers can control the airflow to produce a wide range of dynamics, from soft to powerful, allowing for expressive performances.
Overall, airflow is essential in classical singing for vocal control, stamina, and artistic expression. This is something I constantly emphasise to my students and work with them to improve their breathing techniques is an important aspect of my teaching.
