Learn proper breathing techniques. A major contributing factor to vocal quality and performance is breathing correctly when singing. This can help you to enhance the tone of your voice, help you to increase your vocal range and hold notes longer, as well as help you to project your voice better. Singers often hear the terms “breathe from your diaphragm,” or “breathe from your abdominals.” This is the healthiest and most natural way to breathe, and contrary to what many believe, does not mean you have to contract your abdominal muscles tightly. The diaphragm is a powerful muscle upon which the lungs sit on; it extends across the bottom of your ribcage. When you inhale, your diaphragm contracts, and your belly, sides and back will actually expand as your lungs receive air. As you exhale, the diaphragm relaxes.
Practice breathing correctly as it relates to singing. You want to learn to moderate how much air you take in and let out when singing, taking in as much air as possible, but letting it out as slowly as possible. There are breathing exercises which can help you to control your breathing. Different vocal coaches have different techniques. One exercise consists of taking a deep breath in for two counts (seconds), holding it for two counts, and then slowly let it out with a hissing sound. Begin with letting it out on eight counts, then increase to 16, 24, and so on. The more you practice, the more comfortable it will be for you to let the air out more slowly. The more counts you are able to achieve as you release the air, the better you are becoming at controlling your breathing. Breathing should feel natural when you are singing. Practicing breathing exercises on a regular basis can help you to automatically breathe correctly when it is time to sing.
Maintaining good posture is one of the keys to breathing correctly. Stand or sit in an upright position, with the shoulders back and chest up. If you are standing, don’t lock your knees tightly. Your feet should be slightly apart, with one slightly in front of the other. If you are seated, it helps to sit on the edge of your chair rather than sitting back.
Practice vocal exercises, or “warm-ups,” both on a regular basis and before a performance. These coincide with breathing exercises, except you are actually singing syllables or phrases as you breathe correctly. Vocal exercises help you to practice proper diction and enunciation of consonant and vowel sounds.