Breathing
- Breathe freely, developing an awareness of breath control over increasingly longer phrases
- Control their breathing to enable them to sing with more expressive variation
Ask learners to sing on one note within the centre of their vocal range, counting on the pulse and gradually extending the length of the note whenever this activity is repeated.
Increasingly extend the number of repetitions of short exercises sung on one breath.
Gradually crescendo on a long, sustained note, choosing a comfortable pitch in the middle of the vocal range.
Remember to ensure that the chest does not collapse and that the ribcage stays controlled. Learners should be aware that, when breathing in, the diaphragm descends with an expansion of the muscles in the midriff and the back. The controlled return of the diaphragm to its original position is essential for good quality tone production and intonation.
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