Center For Church Music, Songs & Hymns

Music & Worship

Breathing

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Without air coming up from the lungs and activating the vocal chords, there would be no sound. Breathing is a purposeful coordination between:

• The abdominal muscles
• The belly
• The diaphragm
• The lungs
• The vocal chords

Singers are similar to athletes. They must coordinate various muscle groups and ligaments if they are to perform at a hight level.

Despite all of this, breathing properly for singing is not all that difficult. Here is what you must do at all times when you sing:

1. When you inhale, the midsection expands (a lot!!) all around the waist.
2. When you inhale, the shoulders do not rise.
3. The expansion continues while singing--especially on the high notes.

So when you sing during the week, practice your breathing. (This CANNOT be done in the car.) Remember: The better the breathing process, the better your sacrifice of praise will be!!

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