Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 3/22/2009

Question
I would really like to work on my biggest singing issue; my breathing.

A.) I have asthma and allergies and at times I find it to be a problem when singing, but I can't be the only one.

B.)My voice always sounds too "breathy" when I sing and I run out of air too soon, especially with higher notes.

Anything you can tell me to help would be appreciated.

Answer
Hi there, Amanda.  And thanks for writing.  

Asthma is difficult to work with as a singer.  But there are things that you can do in my opinion to help...

First of all, always be sure that you are not eating or drinking anything that will hinder your throat.  Milk products, caffeine of any sort and thick creamy substances and alcohol are included in this.  Water is your best buddy in terms of your hydration and free of mucus breathing and singing.  

Next, continually work on your breath capacity.  In other words, doing exercises to increase your ability to hold more air and also let air out more slowly and more evenly.  The best way to do this is to hold one hand on your abdomen.  Breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth.  Notice where you are breathing.  If you are not moving your hand but your chest, concentrate on getting the air down to your diaphragm instead.  (This is the key reason why people are not able to breathe properly.)

Once you have placed the air into your abdomen (which will help your breathy-ness), next try to breathe in for a count of 3 and out for 3.  Do that 10x.  Then increase the count to 4 for 10x, 5 for 10x, 6 for 10x...If you work on this regularly, it will help with your breathing.  

Always be sure that you have taken your medications and have as clear breathing as possible before you start.  And never exercise prior to singing.  If you have exercised, give yourself enough time to relax and bring your breathing down to normal (at least 10 minutes).  

And finally, always be sure that you are breathing deeply like I mentioned (in through the nose and out through the mouth).  It will assist in nervousness and also with power and strength.

Does that help you at all?

Wanda