THREE WAYS OF BREATHING

 THREE WAYS OF BREATHING

By: Lilis Syafiza Binti Mohd Yatim

http://upsiinstrumentalpedagogy.blogspot.com/2018/05/three-ways-of-breathing.html

Hi everyone! Today's topic is types of breathing in singing.

Basically, there are three ways to breathe.
1. Clavicular Breathing
2. Intercostal Breathing
3. Abdominal Breathing

Let me explain briefly the function of these three breathing.

1. CLAVICULAR BREATHING

Clavicular breathing results from lifting your shoulders. This open the lungs, but it is a restricted way of expending your lungs. The clavicle is also called the collarbone. It is situated just below your neck and runs parallel to the top of your breastbone. You should be able to feel it because it sticks out a little bit. each collarbone is almost the same width as a shoulder. Clavicular breathing results in a short, noisy breath, and people who breathe in this manner often complain of a feeling of insufficient breath.

   Figure 1: Clavicular Breathing

                                                             Figure 2: Chest Breathing

2. INTERCOSTAL BREATHING

Can be described as a breath taken basically by your chest. Your intercostals breathing muscles (which are between your ribs) pull the ribs up and out, and thus help to expand the ribcage to allow space for lung expansion.  

                                                   

                                                          Figure 3: Intercostal Breathing

3. ABDOMINAL BREATHING

It also called diaphragmatic breathing. Uses the diaphragm and allows you to take a really deep breath. The diaphragm contracts down (and flattens out) when you breathe in. This pushes against the abdominal organs, thus opening up your chest and allowing full expansion of your lungs. When you relax and breathe out, the diaphragm returns to its natural dome shape. Then there is a slight pause before the cycle begins again. You can also force air out of your lungs by pressing with your abdominal muscles (your abs), thus pushing the abdominal organs upwards against the diaphragm and chest. The diaphragm goes through its contraction and relaxation cycle naturally.

                                                        Figure 4: Abdominal Breathing

                                

                                Figure 5: Abdominal Breathing Exercise While Lying Down

So, which one is the best way to breathe in singing?

Correct breathing in singing is combination of Intercostal Breathing and Abdominal Breathing.