Comments on: Breath for the long notes https://judyrodman.com/breath-for-long-notes/ Vocal Coach • Singer • Speaker • Songwriter • Studio Producer • Podcaster Wed, 07 Feb 2024 22:19:15 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 By: Unknown https://judyrodman.com/breath-for-long-notes/#comment-1557 Sat, 04 Oct 2008 21:05:30 +0000 https://judyrodman.com/breath-for-the-long-notes/#comment-1557 Yes, I agree, Kelley- to the point that I make sure I do some aerobic exercise before a performance.

]]> By: Kelley Ann Hornyak https://judyrodman.com/breath-for-long-notes/#comment-1560 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:52:43 +0000 https://judyrodman.com/breath-for-the-long-notes/#comment-1560 In my experience it’s definitely about the way you use the breath you have, like you said Judy. I have noticed a big difference however when I do a lot of underwater laps in the pool–that seems to give me much more lung capacity. Any type of aerobics in general will have that effect for me too, though not quite as strong as when I’m swimming a lot.

]]> By: Judy Rodman https://judyrodman.com/breath-for-long-notes/#comment-1573 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:32:14 +0000 https://judyrodman.com/breath-for-the-long-notes/#comment-1573 Yes, Wayne, I agree that setting up for the long note is vital. Just mentally intending to sing that long can cause you to naturally get enough breath in, and if you conserve and compress that breath properly, it will be more than enough.

]]> By: Anonymous https://judyrodman.com/breath-for-long-notes/#comment-1574 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:30:01 +0000 https://judyrodman.com/breath-for-the-long-notes/#comment-1574 Hi Judy
Just a little input-

One of the other situations that can occur is not being prepared at the precise time of the beginning of the long note. Singing a song that requires a note to be held, I will try to anticipate it a few bars in advance which will allow time to fill the diaphragm with enough air to last several bars at a time. Take advantage of the song ,utilizing to the full extent breathing room.

Also be careful not to over sing the song.
Thanks Wayne

]]> By: Anonymous https://judyrodman.com/breath-for-long-notes/#comment-1575 Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:30:39 +0000 https://judyrodman.com/breath-for-the-long-notes/#comment-1575 Hi Judy. Yes you are tensing them, at least at the end of the blow.

Just had the audition. Laden with Lloyd-Webber sheet music (I was going to sing ‘Music of the Night’ my favourite song to sing) I trundled in to be told to sing ‘Maria’ unaccompanied. I sang 90% of it reasonably well,(I was noticeably stronger so bless the balloon!) but the big belt in the middle was too short as I didn’t take a breath going into it, and frankly nerves slightly rattled the high falsetto at the end. I don’t do enough auditions I guess. Good experience though. I did the end again for them and it was better. Callbacks announced next week.

I’m actually really trying hard to break into the professional actor/singer circuit after a life of ‘proper’ stuff. It’s tough though. I’m also a writer of children’s fiction and film/TV screenplays. All the easy careers! Hope this singing trio tour happens. Saw the producer’s play at the Galway Town Hall Theatre last night. Very, very good which is promising.

Best wishes

]]> By: Judy https://judyrodman.com/breath-for-long-notes/#comment-1577 Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:29:35 +0000 https://judyrodman.com/breath-for-the-long-notes/#comment-1577 Very interesting… I will try it! I think you are strengthening the intercostals that hold your ribcage open, as well as your lower abdominal wall. Tell me, when you do this, aren’t you also slightly tensing your glutes?Thanks and best wishes for your audition!!

]]> By: Anonymous https://judyrodman.com/breath-for-long-notes/#comment-1576 Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:29:20 +0000 https://judyrodman.com/breath-for-the-long-notes/#comment-1576 Just a useful (possibly) tip. I have found in the last few days a useful way of strengthening the intercostal muscles for stronger singing. I’m a powerlifter so I suppose I sought out the equivalent of breathing techniques for singing.

Just sit in a straight backed chair and using good, low diaphragmatic breathing, steadily inflate a party balloon with long slow breathes (3 attempts per ‘inflation’) 10 times over, 2-4 times a day. So far it seems to have helped immeasurably. A little too early to tell, and I’ll let you know if I’m still alive in two weeks (if not, disregard this sage advice.)

I have an audition today for Tony in an amateur West Side Story. I don’t know if at 34 I’m too old, or whether this pro tour I’m in will prevent it , but auditions are always good to experience.

]]> By: Anonymous https://judyrodman.com/breath-for-long-notes/#comment-1578 Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:28:31 +0000 https://judyrodman.com/breath-for-the-long-notes/#comment-1578 Dear Judy

Thank you very very much for your help. Very useful suggestions. I’ve alway wanted to be able to hold a very long lyrical line without loss of tone. I will let you know if any career developments. Oh God, let there be developments!

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