The diaphragm looks like an overturned bowl, whose lip is at the base of the rib cage and base continues up into the rib cage. Air flows into the lungs when the diaphragm contracts downward, giving the lungs room to expand downwards. The intercostal muscles of the ribs expand the ribs outward, creating a partial vacuum. This causes air to flow into the lungs where the air pressure is low, allowing equilibrium to be achieved. Breathing is not a matter of "sucking" in air. The ribs expand first, causing the air to flow into the lungs.
There are several different ways of breathing. Four common ways of breathing are incorrect. Chest, or clavicular, breathing is when the chest heaves up and down when breathing. Back breathing is when the most expansion occurs in the middle and lower back area. Belly breathing occurs when the lower abdominal muscles are pushed outward, allowing only the lower part of the lungs to expand. Rib breathing, although less incorrect than the others, is still faulty. Rib breathing is when the only expansion occurs at the ribs. In correct breathing, the most expansion occurs at the ribs. Expansion also occurs in the lower and middle of the back and the upper abdominal muscles. There should be no chest breathing. You may want to imagine "sipping" breath through a straw.
When the ribs collapse, the breath needed for singing is expelled. This is a natural occurrence after inhalation. In singing, however, it is important to counteract this. The key is to keep the ribs, lower abdominals, and back expanded. Try to imagine that you're still breathing in, although you're singing, and the air is trying to escape. This breath support is vital.
There is danger in the audible breath. If there is sound created on inspiration, that means that the vocal folds are partially adducted, or closed, as the air flows in. During the audible breath, the vocal folds continue vibrate upon inhalation. This means that the vocal folds are never allowed to relax, they are always in use. This puts unnecessary strain on the vocal folds, and the folds will tire.
Sometimes, there is enough of a rest in piece of music, or even a vocal exercise. This is an opportunity to breathe through the nose. Nose breathing is very helpful. The nose is designed to filter, warm, and add moisture to the incoming air. This is helpful because the intake of air through the mouth dries out the mouth and vocal folds over time.
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