Breathing In Overabundance Of Air

Taking in too much air—is it a common fault? Is it even possible? Many singers believe they need to maximize their air intake to tackle long musical phrases. We often hear advice to perform breathing exercises, like hissing the “s” consonant for extended periods, to increase lung capacity. However, the result of trying to "stuff" oneself with air is rarely more power; instead, it often leads to physical rigidity.

The Tension Trap

When you breathe in as deeply as possible and try to hold it, the muscles in your chest and abdomen become tense and rigid. Try this experiment: breathe in to your absolute limit and hold it. Now, try to speak without letting the breath go. You will likely find the sensation unpleasant and the resulting tone strained. This is because singing is not about how much air you can hold, but about healthy muscular function.

The Larynx as a Valve

In a healthy singing voice, air passes from the lungs through the vocal folds. When the muscles in the larynx are adjusted properly and functioning well, they act as an efficient valve. They do not waste air; instead, they release only the precise amount of air needed for the specific pitch and volume being produced.

Refocusing Your Training

The primary focus in vocal training should not be on lung expansion, but on the larynx and the coordination of the muscles within it. With proper muscular adjustments, the need to "stuff" yourself with air and "hold on for dear life" disappears. When the internal mechanics of the voice box are working in harmony with the breath, singing feels effortless and the tone remains consistent without the need for an overabundance of air.