Breathing problem? Only person in chorus class who can't hold it.?

Question

In my 9th grade chorus we have to sing (obviously). And sometimes we have to hold the note. Everyone else can do it without taking another breath. But I have to breathe right b4 the part...sing the part as long as I can then take another breathe to finish it. Every1 else can do it in 1 breath! What is wrong? How do I fix it? R there breathing exercises or sumthin?

Answer 1

Ask your teacher if there are any breathing exercises that may help. Also, sometimes when people are singing they very quietly "sneak" a breath to keep going.

Answer 2

Like a previous answer stated... breathing from your chest is the problem. Being able to hold a note for a while comes from your diaphram -- it's basically trained muscle control in your stomach region. Singing and holding notes are not dependent on your breath, it's dependent on strength and support and power.

If you care to improve your singing abilities, it will help as well for you to practice some breathing techniques. It's going to be hard to explain over the internet, though. What I can suggest for you to do is to THINK while you sing. THINK about when you are breathing, be conscious of when you take your breaths. Is there a part of the song you can breath at different from before? Try it and see if it works. Your vocal teacher/chorus instructor should be able to suggest some strengthing techniques for your voice and breathing abilities. Never give up! You'll get it.

Answer 3

Remember to breathe from your diaphragm...not your chest...and take a short but strong breath right before you have to hold that note, if that still doesn't do it, sneak a breath and go back in. There are breathing exercises you can do like put a book against the wall, then lean against it and breathe deeply, if your breath is deep enough, you will be pushed away from the wall. Ask your teacher for more exercises you can do, after all, that is what they are there for. Good Luck!