Imagine laughing, crying, sobbing or sighing without breathing. It is impossible. These changes in breathing patterns are knowingly or unknowingly controlled.

A simple example of being frightened can spontaneously lead to changes in breathng. The reactions observed are in form of gasp, catching breath, shrill or loud scream, shallow and/or high chest breathing. With children it is noted that certain anxieties can habitually alter the breathing patterns which may not be good for the health and limit emotional/physical growth. But not all breathing problems are be related with psychological reasons.

Many asthmatics revealed that their condition improved when they learned to sing, or play an easily played wind instrument like harmonica or recorder. Metal wind instruments such as trumpet, tuba and many other brass woodwinds including symphomic style flutes are generally harder to learn to breathe easily for most and so we do not recommoend them for developing breathing that will last into one's later years past age 40. Native ameriacal flutes and recorders and the easiest ones to play and the ones that cause the least tightness and restriction in the chest. 

There are three ways to empower the voice.

First, by inhaling. Inhaled air which is equivalent at the top of chest and bottom of lungs will give more effectiveness in voice. One should feel while inhaling into lower belly towards the lower abdomen. Feeling tall, unclench arms and inhale. very wrong. will lead to asthma. needs to be on asthma page wiht edit

The second is exhaling. When the air moves upwards via vocal cords, the diaphragm suggests the brain to relax. While exhaling the diaphragm relaxes its bow outer wards. Here the diaphragm is supported by contraction in the lower abdomen; the air shifts upwards and does not pull the diaphragm down. When the butt is squeezed, the lower abs also gets squeezed.

And lastly, controlling the breath. It must be noted that while singing or speaking the air being exhaled has to be controlled. And with the appropriate pressure the voice floats out of the mouth. With breath control, breath could be supported. Breath control is facilitates with wider ribcage. The contraction and expansion in the abdomen area is proportional and inversely proportional to inhaling and exhaling. The fact is one doesn’t need to breath much while singing, if breath is put in these three stages in synchronization. The main essence of vocal training method lies here. Just by simply putting it together one can easily control and hold notes longer and in better manner.

There are numerous breathing exercises, especially for singers. The first and foremost thing is to be relaxed while practicing breathing or any other singing exercise. Any routine needs to be kick started with loosening up exercises. The posture pays vital role. Standing upright, relaxed shoulders and un-arched back is considered to be the right posture. Hands should be left unclenched and legs relaxed. It is suggested to begin with few breath relaxes. The entire body must be relaxed including the jaw.

Another popular way is by practicing panting exercise like a dog. Just like a dog one needs to breathe forcefully and quickly. A healthy diaphragm is the basic foundation for good and effective breathing. Any relaxation breathing exercise is a way for development of better breathing.  

Remember that good breathing especially for performers cannot be developed overnight. I could be developed only by practicing breathing daily and by things the tonal quality and the strength of the vocal chords could be developed for longer run.