If you struggle from strain or tightness in your throat when you sing or speak, try this simple but effective routine. Breath control tips for singers
If you struggle with strain and tension while singing/speaking, both your inhale and exhale might be contributing to the problem.
Let's discuss your INHALE first
The core idea: A good inhale releases and relaxes the throat.
EXPERIMENT: Breathe with exaggerated shoulder movement, scrunch up your nose if you like and lock your stomach. Notice how that feels.
This kind of breathing will inevitably constrict your throat. The airway will narrow and cause RESTRICTION in not just your throat but your entire body.
CORRECTIVE EXERCISE:
Step 1: Sit perpendicular to the floor preferably on a flat & firm chair. Try not to sit TOO straight. Find your sit bones.
(🏁Refer to the blog post on posture: https://www.goalusvoice.com/post/you-can-t-achieve-good-posture-by-sitting-standing-straight)
Step 2: Relax your abdomen and legs completely.
Step 3: Breathe deep into your abdomen and feel it expand seamlessly without any resistance.
A RELAXED INHALE WILL RELEASE AND OPEN YOUR THROAT.
YOU SHOULD FEEL MORE SPACE AT THE BACK OF YOUR THROAT AND A BIGGER EXPANSION IN YOUR RIBS.
Now onto the EXHALE:
The core idea: A good exhale while speaking or singing must gently activate the muscles of your core. (Breath support)
The Panting Exercise: Try panting like a dog and notice what the rest of your body is doing.
What sensations to look for?
Notice some expansion/activation in the following parts of your body. Place your hands on these parts for some sensory feedback.
Back
Sides
Lower Abdomen
Buttocks
Upper Chest
Developing the exercise:
Notice if you can feel similar sensations when you hum. It will be subtle but you can feel it nevertheless.
Also experiment with more open vowel sounds and try to feel similar sensations as the panting exercise.
Want to learn more deeply about your body's design and how to use it to get rid of tension and strain while singing?
Fill your details on the contact page and drop an enquiry about taking voice lessons at Goalus Vocal Studio!
Singing without strain. Speaking without throat pain
breath control for singers
