5. Sing from the Diaphragm

Let’s face it:

Learning to breathe for singing is one of the most important steps in learning how to sing.

Just like anything else, there are lots of techniques to learn to breathe for singing.

But here’s all you need to know:

Rather than taking a breath from the shoulders or chest, we’re going to inhale from the diaphragm.

How do you learn to sing from the diaphragm?

I’ve created a video demonstration that teaches you to sing from the diaphragm.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Step in front of a mirror so that you can see the full length of your torso from the side.

2. Place your hands on both sides of the bottom of your stomach.

3. Open your mouth and inhale.

4. As you inhale, allow the breath to expand your stomach outward.

5. When you exhale, allow the breath to bring your stomach back in.

If you see any movement in your shoulders or in your chest, you are doing something wrong.

Please note: when done correctly, this exercise can feel a bit weird.

That’s because for most of our lives we’ve been taught to inhale by bringing our stomach in, not out.

To sing from the diaphragm, it’s important to let the stomach expand on the inhale and contract on the exhale.

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