Why Do I Run Out of Breath When I Sing?
Why is that that when you watch your favourite singer performing live that they look completely relaxed and you feel as though you’re about to pass out?
Don’t worry, it’s LEARNABLE.
It could be because you haven’t learned how to breathe specifically for singing OR that you’re just not focusing on that as you practice (to make it a habit).
You might be taking shallow breaths into your chest (you can check this if you watch yourself in the mirror, your chest and shoulders will rise when you inhale instead of the ribs and belly expanding slightly).
OR if you’re inhale is spot on, you might not be controlling the release of this air - letting it rush out much faster than you should be and/or try to control it in the wrong way (you’ll know what I mean if you’ve ever had a sore or tight throat/chest while you sing).
OKAY SO HOW CAN YOU FIX THIS?
The good news? It’s 100% fixable and isn’t that hard.
The bad news? it takes quite a lot of focus and dedicated practice.
Most people want to skip ahead to learning about other pieces of the singing puzzle, so they stop paying attention to it. Then those old habits come back in full force and you’re back where you started.
In order to change the physical habit of breathing shallowly, taking in too much air and releasing it too quickly, we need to practice this over and over and over again.
You’ll need to be thinking about it every step of the way for a number of weeks until it becomes the new habit.
WHAT EXACTLY SHOULD YOU BE PRACTICING?
Luckily I have a couple of videos that talk you through what your new inhale should feel like and a couple of exercises to start control the exhale (the release of air).
You’ll want to be doing these regularly to strengthen the muscles that help to control that airflow.
Would you like some extra help on getting your breath to work FOR you not AGAINST you when you sing?
Pop your details below to watch a full length workshop on vocal and breath support (making it easier to project without tension).
