how do I improve my breathing?

Q - I need someone who can give me some breathing exercises cause I find it difficult to sing a note for a very long time without breathing. (Nigeria)

A - holding notes for longer is exactly much more complex than working with the breath. It's not really about the amount of air you take in, it's about how you release that air and use it effectively. Best way to work on this is:
when breathing in, make sure it's a natural breath, think of the breath as going low & do not lift the shoulders when you are breathing in... when releasing the breath for singing do not engage the diaphram to push it out, or try to manipulate the breath in any way... follow the natural function of the body, by experiencing the rib cage relaxing and the breath moving because of that relaxation... and use this natural body breath to create sound

always initiate the voice gently, as on a sigh -- in other words, float the voice on breath that is already moving naturally and easily from the body,

never push the voice; try to sound like someone else; or yell, scream, whisper; no smoking, minimal drinking; do drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day; get good sleep

ensure that you are standing naturally, look at something that is at eye level, do not lift the chin or stretch the neck

work on singing lyrical phrases -- singing is all about phrasing... that means the individual notes are less important than the phrase... think of singing phrases like a violin or cello would play them... smoothly, connected ("legato")

work on shaping words effectively - most untrained singers sing with shapes that are wide and flat. Think of singing your words so that the vowels are tall and slim - this will focus the tone and use the breath more effectively

energy is important when singing... when holding a note you need to imagine a forward moving pulse in the tone.... best way to practice this is to walk forward with purpose as you are singing the note... you feel yourself staying underneath the voice more effectively

lastly, placement of the voice is important as well... say 'gah gah gah' now say 'bah bah bah' - can you feel the difference? We want to imagine that the voice begins at the lips... where the 'bah' is... imagine being the opperative word

try singing songs on vowel-based syllables -- boh boh boh, for example, to achieve some focussing of tone and effective placement

that's the best I can do without having you in my studio... these things take time, and experience, and the alert ear of an experienced teacher... in order to understand and practice effectively. Words simply aren't enough to expres the complex skills required to sing in a healthy, easy way.

If possible, take a few lessons with a qualified, experienced teacher of vocal technique... perferably the Italian method... but whatever the method, it should always work on you singing with your voice most effectively with minimal effort. Naturally. Healthily.

cheers
Hummin'bird

singing on key

Q: - How do I improve my voice? I've noticed that people singing live nowadays aren't singing very well - maybe that's because, when artists record now, they don't need to sing in tune because the auto-tune software will correct it so the recorded product is perfect. I don't want to have that problem.

A - Definitely this is one area where I believe technology simply cannot take the place of adequate vocal training & consistent practice to hone and maintain vocal muscle.

Any musician would tell you that it takes years of practice to become proficient and creative instrumentalists... unfortunately many people don't have the same view of the voice... and the strain of consistent performance, flying, and lack of training becomes an issue... that's why there has been a proliferation of artists lip synching.

Unfortunately there are not that many voice teachers who actually have made a serious study of vocal technique. My recommendations, if anyone is looking for a teacher is, make sure they have adequate training; that they incorporate a philosophy similar to the Alexander Technique; that their 'method' works with you, the singer, and is not forced upon you (you define the method); that the teacher is also a singer/performer & continues to work with their own coach; and lastly, that the approach never varies in terms of vocal health and ease in singing being vital.

In addition, even a trained singer will have vocal issues if they don't work on cleaning up unhealthy/unclear speech habits... we tend to spend many more hours talking than we do singing, and we often bring those habits into singing - to the detriment of the voice. I personally can't bear the 'mumbling' and 'forcing' that seems to be popular singing today.

One of the culprits is the Idol shows, who put 'having a big voice' above artistry - you gotta have a kickass chorus that borders on the top of the singers range, so they grind away in the bottom of their range in the verse - and you can barely hear them - and then they shout the chorus out. I'm sure several voices came periously close to permanent damage during the series.

This one of my biggest issues with the music industry - find 4 beautiful people and make them a band. How is that artistry? How do they even have an instrument that is toned fine enough to express what comes from the heart? They don't, in my opinion - and I believe the public is feeling that they want something more authentic.

One other thing, while I'm on the subject... is people seem to get the idea that because another singer sang a song in a certain key, that key is the key, and changing it means you aren't as good. The fact is, voices are very different, and if you had 20 artists record the same song, you'd get a variety of keys. You must sing the song in the key that suits your voice. Also, unfortunately, just because we love a certain song... doesn't mean that it suits us. Choosing your repertoire wisely is very important to your success as a performer (and also, again, for your vocal health).

Okay, I'll get off my soap box now! Until next time, LOL.