Stuffing Yourself with Air

Stuffing Yourself with Air

Turkeys can be stuffed with bread crumbs during the holidays, but believe it or not, singers can also get "stuffed." No, not with too much food, but with too much air! While it sounds counterintuitive, taking in too much air can actually make a singer feel like they are suffocating or unable to finish a phrase.

The Stagnant Air Trap

The process of inspiration and exhalation is a vital life process that should not be interrupted when speaking or singing. Ideally, oxygen enters and carbon dioxide exits in a continuous, circular flow. However, sometimes singers are unable to release all the carbon dioxide during the expiratory phase. Oddly enough, this causes them to feel like they don't have enough air, when the opposite is actually true. They have air that is simply not moving—they are stuffed, and vocal constriction is the result.

The Illusion of Control

Another way a singer can be stuffed is by consciously breathing in until they physically cannot take in any more, and then attempting to "hold" or "control" the air's exit. In both instances, the air gets stuck. It becomes static rather than dynamic. When air is unable to move, it cannot be effectively transformed into sound by the vocal folds.

Finding the Flow

The key to a free voice is the sensation of moving air. Think of your breath as a cycle rather than a storage tank. When the air moves freely, it allows the vocal cords to vibrate without the interference of the "holding" muscles in the torso and throat. This moving air, transformed into tone, is a vital piece of the puzzle for healthy, beautiful singing.

Conclusion: Let the Air Move

Stop trying to "stuff" your lungs to capacity. Instead, focus on a comfortable intake followed by a steady, flowing release. By allowing the air to move in its natural circular way, you remove the physical blocks that lead to tension and constriction. Remember: it's not about how much air you have; it's about how well that air is moving!