Good breath support is essential for Gospel singers to deliver powerful and dynamic performances. While the soulful spirituals often do not rely on challenging vocal leaps or runs, they are intense performances that require a loud, resonant sound.
Not surprisingly, proper breath support can make a lot of difference in a Gospel singer’s performance. When it comes to breath support, it’s important to understand that it all starts with the diaphragm. This muscle is located at the base of the ribcage and is responsible for controlling the inhalation and exhalation of air. As a singer inhales, the diaphragm contracts to pull air into the lungs. As he exhales, the muscle relaxes to push air out. Keeping the diaphragm engaged throughout a song helps the singer maintain consistent and steady breath control.
1. Balloon breathing: To do balloon breathings, start by inhaling for as long as you can. Then, exhale slowly and steadily, imagining that the air is passing through a straw.
2. Abdominal Breathing: This exercise helps strengthen the diaphragm by engaging the abdominal muscles during inhalation and exhalation. To do this exercise, sit upright with your feet flat on the floor and your hands on your lower abdomen. Make sure to engage your abdominal muscles while inhaling and exhaling.
3. Breath-Holding: This exercise will help improve breath support by increasing your lung capacity. To do this exercise, take a deep breath as deep as you can and then hold it for 10-20 seconds before slowly releasing it. Be sure to be careful not to strain your body and to stop if you feel any discomfort. With consistency and dedication, anyone can improve their breath support.
Doing the exercises we’ve listed above on a regular basis will help you strengthen your diaphragm and develop the control and power needed to deliver a powerful performance.
Experiment with the above exercises to get used to how the breath support feels, especially in the lower abdomen area. Then, progress to the Chair Breath Support exercise.