In last week’s Part 1 of Breathing for Singers, I’ve talked about some theoretical procedures regarding the breath. Today I will show you how to breathe and how to maintain the legato throughout your singing.
From the mouth
We breathe in from the mouth by means of “A”. It should be as easy as in real life, and not an exaggeration. The inhalation-exhalation is one cycle and we should not hold in one or the other while singing. Breathing in easily on “A” will create an open throat. When breathing in, it may be helpful to place your hand below the sternum so that you feel the air coming in and out.
Superman’s V
Keep the V structure at all times, stand straight and do not collapse the chest during singing. The section between the sternum and the bellybutton is what will maintain the constant airflow. The V structure means you are standing straight, your shoulders are rested and your chest is open. Your head and neck are straight but rested. This will allow the air to circulate freely without having anything break the natural flow of things.
Abs
The abs are active, but it is more the intercostal and TVA muscles that are doing the work for you. The diaphragm simply reacts to the air in and out. This is what allows the air to circulate. Yet we do not control the diaphragm but we let it do what it feels like doing. Trust your body to do what it is supposed to do. It is not the outside muscles of the abs (the visible muscles) that move in and out, they simply hold the structure and support the V.
Legato
The legato is not possible without all of the above: the constant airflow. The legato means all the notes are connected one to the other, it’s as if one note is born from the one before and so forth.
The first note (the start of the note) should always be done using the air so that you are sure that the rest of the melodic phrase follows the same practice.
Watch the video “How to Sing Legato” here
I’ve been teaching voice for the past 15 years. With experience in Opera, Jazz and Pop, I share my knowledge and everything related to the Art of Singing.
This channel is dedicated to all the singers out there, advanced professionals or young achievers seeking answers to issues they encounter throughout their artistic career.