How do you improve breath control and vocal production?

Question

I sing in a women's barbershop chorus and quartet. One of the things that our director and coaches talk about is that we need to improve our breath control. How do you do this?

Answer 1

red rose's band exercises are good, as well as physical exercises ( although it's actually better to do leg lifts than sit-ups for the inner muscles). Try and practice your breathing away from the chorus. Focus your attention on the use of your muscles around your middle, front and back, while you sing. I have objections to the word "control" for various reasons, so let us say, you are going to manage your breath flow, much like you would manage the paint coming out of a spray can. You don't want a huge blot, just an even, well-paced flow to cover the wall ( bookshelf, box, rocking horse, toy, you name it) thoroughly. One can do this without singing a note, but that's boring, so practice your music or some good ol' fashioned scales, and pay attention the whole time. After a while, your body will remember that that's what you want it to do, so it will, but until that time, keep focused on your breathing muscles. ( This also called belly breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, breath support, and all sorts of other names. It mostly means the same thing, but singer's language is still very imprecise)
Best wishes and keep on singing

Answer 2

I'm in band and we do breathing exercises. What you do is turn a metronome on and stand up straight. Breath in for four counts while moving your hand closer to your face then out for four counts while moving it away. The purpose is you learn to expand your breathing while having control over it. Always be evenly paced and work on air speed. 3-4 minutes a day will greatly increase your air control.
Try doing this each time:
In 4 out 4 ten times
In 4 out 8 ten times
in 2 out 8 ten times
In 1 out 4 ten times
In 1 out 8 ten times

Answer 3

I am a vocal music major. My professor taught me breath control. You would want to get big breaths from your diaphram, before you sing really long phrases,and open your mouth and get the tounge out of the way.

Answer 4

Definitely what the others said, strengthen your core, practice breathing deliberately. Also, when you are practicing your numbers, remember to find the phrases in the music, and try to sing the entire phrase in one breath if you can, instead of chopping it up. This will help you gain more control over your breathing. Your coach can help you with this part.

Answer 5

strengthen the core, do some sit ups everyday. pilates are great for the core, too!