Vocal Myth: “Breathe from your diaphragm”
The diaphragm’s function for singing
If you are a singer you’ve definitely heard the phrase: “Breathe from your diaphragm”. I’m here to be the bearer of bad news…you cannot breathe from your diaphragm. Now, before you get upset with the people who told you this, or embarrassed that you have told people this, know that teachers often use convenient lies to get us to accomplish goals. But this is one that is SO EASY to avoid using functional language that is a) helpful and b) conveys actual vocal function. Let’s dive into why you can’t breathe from your diaphragm.
What is the diaphragm?
The diaphragm is a smooth muscle that sits like an upside-down bowl under your lungs and over your guts. In order for you to inhale, it contracts and flattens out, moving your guts down and pulling a vacuum in your lungs which forces air to fill them. The most important fact about your diaphragm is that it is an involuntary muscle, like your heart. “Involuntary movements happen automatically without you thinking about them. The muscles in and around your organs move involuntarily to keep your body working properly“ (Cleveland Clinic).
This means the term “breath from your diaphragm” is actually pretty useless. Instead, let’s use language that directs toward things we CAN control for our singing breaths and is functionally accurate.
“Release your abdominal muscles”
By releasing the abdominal wall, you can create space for your guts to get out of the way for your lungs to expand downward. This can encourage release where we might be holding extra tension. In order for your diaphragm to fully contract, it has to be able to push your viscera (or guts) out of the way.
“Find expansion in the ribcage”
Remember your lungs expand in all directions...don’t let those ribs and intercostal muscles get stuck! You can find this expansion by putting one hand on your ribs, under your arm, and one on your back. Take a deep breath and try to move both hands.
These are just two examples of functional language that can help us and our students have an understanding of how the voice and supporting vocal systems actually work and how we can influence them. The language we use is important! So the next time someone tells you to breathe from your diaphragm, you can smile and tell them why that’s just not possible.
Happy breathing!
Jen
Need help putting these steps into action?
Meet the Author
Jennifer Burks is a professional voice teacher and soprano with over 17 years of formal training and degrees in Vocal Performance from the University of Arkansas and Vocal Pedagogy from New England Conservatory of Music (NEC). She is an active performer and has won prestigious vocal competitions such as the 2022 Rhode Island Civic Chorale. Beyond her studio, Jennifer is an active member of NATS, PAVA, and The Voice Foundation and is the incoming Auditions Chair of the New England Chapter of NATS. In her free time, she enjoys running, reading, sailing, and cherishing every musical moment.
