Singing Tips

The ‘Straw’ Breathing Exercise For Singers

May 25, 2021

Total Time : 5 Minutes                                  Prep time : 2 min There’s something relaxing about the saying: “breathe, refresh and restart.” With breathing being the most important part of singing, and of vital importance to actually being alive, it’s no […]

Total Time : 5 Minutes                                  Prep time : 2 min

There’s something relaxing about the saying: “breathe, refresh and restart.” With breathing being the most important part of singing, and of vital importance to actually being alive, it’s no wonder why breathing helps you to link mind to body to singing. At Singit, breath is one of three elements that we focus on when learning to sing and improving your singing voice. You can learn all about it in our Contemporary Voice Syllabus One. We posted one of our favourite diagrammatic breathing exercises on Instagram this week, and it involves consciously breathing in through a tiny imaginary straw to breathing out on an “S” sound.

Ingredients

Directions

Firstly, look at yourself in the mirror. Getting a visual helps to focus on the breathing exercise and we do it often during our singing lessons. As you take your first breath in through a tiny imaginary straw (or your singing straw), intentionally focus on your inhale. Breathe in slowly through your ‘straw’. Hold your breath in for 8 counts, making sure your diaphragm is engaged.

Now release your breath out on an “S” sound. Intentionally focus on your exhale as this is where the magic happens for singers. As you breathe out, your breath carries the notes you sing out with it. As an added extra you can sing the word “AH” on your out breathe, making sure that as you breathe out, the breath carries the word “AH” out with it.

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