Breath Management

Inspiration (Inhalation)

The phase of the breath cycle where the diaphragm contracts, increasing the chest cavity size and drawing air into the lungs. Abdominals release allowing the contracting diaphragm to displace the organs housed underneath it

Diaphragm

A dome-shaped muscle that separates the thorax from the abdomen and plays a key role in breathing.

External Intercostals

Muscles of inspiration that originate at the bottom of the ribs and pull the ribs upwards during inhalation.

Subglottic pressure

The air pressure that is built up in the lungs and used to support vocal fold vibration.

Appoggio

An Italian term for breath support, meaning 'to lean upon,' relating to the control of breath pressure.

Clavicular Breathing

A breathing pattern characterized by the elevation of the upper chest and shoulders, leading to control issues during exhalation.

Thoracic Breathing

A breathing pattern that relies on the diaphragm and external intercostals, with expansion felt in the lower ribs.

Abdominal Breathing

Breathing that relies solely on diaphragmatic contraction for inhalation, with exhalation caused by abdominal muscle contraction.

Internal Intercostals

Muscles of expiration that connect the top of one rib to the bottom of the rib above it, helping to move the ribs down.

Active vs Passive Breathing

Active breathing involves muscle contraction for inhalation; passive breathing occurs when muscles relax, leading to faster expiration.

Breathing for Belting

A breathing technique in singing that avoids low breaths to prevent excess pressure.

Checklist for Breathing

A set of considerations to ensure effective breathing during singing, including ribcage expansion and vocal alignment.

Voice as an Instrument

The concept that the voice comprises three parts: air supply, vibrating structure/reed, and resonating chamber.

Abdominal girdle - Muscles of expiration

• External obliques - large strong

• Internal obliques - thinner smaller

• Rectus abdominus - 6 pack

• Transverse: These muscles compress the abdomen