easy way to develop great breath support

An easy way to develop great breath support
Hey Guys! Madeleine Harvey here! Thanks for joining me today!
In our video, we’re going to talk about an easy way for you to develop really great breath support. That means, more power, more projection, more range, and more presence. The list goes on and on. Because we all know that great breathing is the foundation of great singing. So if you like today’s video, please feel free to give it a thumbs up and click the subscribe button below, I would love to see you here more often.
One more thing before we get started. When you are learning to sing through youtube, it’s crucial that you develop a sense of discernment. Take what resonates with you, and leave the rest for now. It’s all about using the information that really works best for you to develop your best vocal habits.
So let’s get started. The breathing process happens in two parts. The inhale and the exhale. We all know that singing happens on the exhale, but it’s really the inhale that will determine the quality of the exhale as well as the overall sound. If I were to pull my breath in using my chest and back muscles, I would be forced to pinch my throat to keep the breath inside, and the sound quality would reflect that tension. So to maximize the openness on our inhale and tap into great breath support, let’s think of the inhale in two parts.
#1 the throat
If we think of the inhale process being similar to that of a turkey baster (stay with me here..) A turkey baster creates a vacuum to pull those delicious juices inside. So this turkey baster idea visually demonstrates the breathing process beautifully. If we were to use our bodies in the same vacuum effect manor, we know that we need to start with an opening for the airflow to travel. That would be the area right where your throat, jaw, and tongue all meet. And this is where things go wrong for most people during their singing. When they are ready for the breath, there may not be enough space for the air to fall in, so the body attempts to pull the breath in using the muscles in the chest and the back. No good. When we open the space in the throat, we can observe that plenty of air moves in and out easily. Take a minute to observe this process and feel how effortlessly your breath moves when just a little bit of space is created. A wonderful way to practice this is using a mirror. Simply watch for the drop of your jaw when you go for the inhale during your song. And if you feel that you are resorting to using the muscles in your chest and back to pull the breath in, notice how it is usually in reaction to not enough space in the throat for the breath to fall in easily.
#2 The diaphragm
The biggest idea that I would love for you to focus on is targeted relaxation. When it comes to the whole concept of the diaphragm, there’s lots of confusion. And most of that distortion comes from the whole idea of control…. But remember guys, breathing is reflexive. The idea is not to control, but to get out of the way while the body does its thing. Utilizing the visual of the turkey baster once again, if I exhale and I notice that the space along my abdomen contracts, how do I get the breath back inside? Just like the turkey baster, I simply let go. This will allow the diaphragm to drop (which creates the whole vacuum effect) and voila! The breath has been replaced. It’s that simple! Targeting the relaxation towards the abs and the spaces under the ribcage will allow the whole process to occur without having to control it. The deeper you target your relaxation, the more the diaphragm can drop and the lungs can fill.
Take your time with this exploration. The trick with maintaining excellent breath support is to get out of the way of the natural breath, so that it can fall in. When you’re practicing this concept, you’ll want to begin with the exhale, feeling everything contract and just wait for it…. that sense of letting go and the breath falling inward.
There you have it guys! An easy way to develop great breath support! If you’ve enjoyed today’s video, be sure to give it a thumbs up and click the subscribe button below for more singing tips and best practices! And if you want to study together, I would LOVE to hear from you! So visit my website at MadeleineHarvey.com to get started! Thank you for joining me! I’ll see you next time!

[@MrBKtheFLASH]

You just DRASTICALLY changed my voice with this one video!! THANK YOU!

[@MadeleineHarveyVoice]

DANG! Thanks Bennie!!! I'm glad this helped connect you to your breath! GO fourth and ROCK!!! ; )

[@roxanneharris5020]

Excellent video!

[@Dantheman-dv9rl]

Video helped me as well

[@dmaxinepritchard2319]

Vv bb3 b Bibb b b vbbbb b bb3 b v bb3 b Bibb bb3 bb3 bb bb3 bb v..vv.vvpposZ3s

[@Will-Max]

Note to self: Get out of the way of the inhale. The inhale - watch back of the throat, openness 5:15 Opening jaw and throat, relax exhale 7:50 Exhale and relax 10:10 Breathing pattern "maa" 11:00

[@mcblahflooper94]

Breath support is very Zen. How do you control your breath? You don't. Wise.

[@ChristianM16]

Matt C 👏🏾👏🏾 💯

[@advocate1563]

Indeed. Singing is speaking at pitch. The key things about breathing : the in breath is part of the music (prepare to step onto the note to avoid stalling the breath), breathe in through the mouth (must faster intake), and always mentally think about the end of the phrase when you sing (subconsciously your breath is utilized to get you there). Beyond that just get out of your own way and Never listen to yourself.... By the time you hear it its been round the room 3 times; it's gone there's nothing. You can do except get anxoous. Just focus on what you can Co rrol: breath in, breathe out and speak at pitch with emotion and meaning.

[@mariafitch8859]

In 14 minutes you fixed my number one issue I didnt know I had. Thank you so much.

[@garystepp]

I have asthma and pleurisy, but this really helped show me a way to breathe where it doesn't effect it as much. thank you!

[@lorenzoeldude]

I have a stutter and this also helps me to understand when to breathe in.

[@joonkorre]

it's interesting how this can help even when you're not singing. thanks for sharing

[@Amber-yn2hn]

I don't have asthma but i am really having troubles breathing and i don't know why :(

[@sheelfjohnson]

@@Amber-yn2hn I hope you can go get that checked because there are so many things that can cause problems with breathing (one of my medications affects my breathing sometimes, especially when I'm sleep-deprived). You may want to make sure your lungs are okay. Stress/anxiety can also affect breathing.. I hope it gets better soon! 💙

[@nracicot]

@@Amber-yn2hn are you singing in a dusty environment?

[@monimarz]

When I was young, I never learned how to breath when I sang. I heard artist and thought that they just sang without ever really breathing because I could never pick up the breathing on the radio. Now I have to learn how to breath since I strain myself to hit high notes and I sound like a dying chicken. Thanks for the vid!

[@shioty]

You're a great teacher! Funny in a unique way and never boring. Thank you for this!

[@beckaj.bronaugh5331]

Yeah! Did you see her How to sing high vid? She looked really high herself...bad pun.

[@haridasudupa5412]

very good teacher.

[@MadeleineHarveyVoice]

Thanks so much! Happy Singing!

[@footstuck97]

No one else started yawning during the first exercise? 😂

[@jamia4758]

"Take what you know about breathing & put it over here for right now" *takes what I know about breathing & puts it over there* *passes out from lack of oxygen*

[@MadeleineHarveyVoice]

OH NO! DON'T Pass out!!! LOL!! (But please do rethink breathing while singing!) I hope this video helped you breathe again! : *

[@bernoinferno4389]

She didn't say 'Hold your breath' - This is your misunderstanding of what is being said

[@kinnydoll7027]

9

[@richardennis5707]

A singer would know what she's talking about.

[@unusualwalnut5192]

How rude and snobby can you guys be? She/he was just trying to make a joke. Maybe this person is a singer who happens to have something that none of you seem to have. A SENSE OF HUMOR. Or maybe it someone new to all this who has had the dream of singing their whole and wants to better themselves. And what do you even mean “only a singer would understand”? Other none singing humans can understand a simple sentence too. Plus even Madeline Harvey finds this funny, AND ITS HER VIDEO

[@ralphiegixenflargle]

3:21 "I don't really know what this is called I stole it from my husband" *HONEY?!? WHERE'S MY BOOGER SUCKER?!?!*

[@BaloonieFloat]

THIS MAKES SO MUCH SENSE! It would always feel so unnatural when i would try and breath with my diaphragm, it's like i was getting less air. This is such a great way to explain it! Thankyou:) subbed x

[@sandramartin3474]

Change your mind set. Instead of "taking" a breath...simply "allow a breath".

[@Val-gv3ky]

I seriously think you are one of the brightest people I have encountered.I have been trying to find courses all over and nothing really seemed to work, until I found you!The way you explain things with simplicity, intuition, intelligence and thoughtfulness is not only inspiring, but has actually changed my voice! THANK YOU for being there, and for understanding.. which is what makes the difference!

[@MadeleineHarveyVoice]

Valentina!! You're magical! Thank you so much for your kind words! They are very much appreciated! I can't wait to hear you sing!

[@Val-gv3ky]

My pleasure Madeleine...thank you so much for replying and will contact you soon...!xxx

[@qqqhaii8004]

As she said “get out of the way”, my mom tapped me on the shoulder and I took out my headphones and said “what do you want?” And she responded with “get out of my way” LKSODKSKFKLALS

[@arronchuefengyang]

Vocal Tip Request: how do I expand my middle range so that I can blend it more easily with falsetto?

[@stitchedfantasy4137]

Chuefeng Yang I don’t know any tips other than using your mask.. (nasal cavities I believe) but you don’t mix/blend your falsetto you can’t because it’s disconnected.. the proper term is head voice.. you use your head and chest voice in your nasal cavities and do some type of exercises to strengthen your mix.. I have heard of making yourself do a bratty childish sound saying “nay/nah” repeatedly and you feel the vibration somewhat under your nose.. sorry I rambled but yeah !

[@katecosettevocals]

learn mixed voice!!! there's an exercise called the "nay" exercise that a lot of voice coaches talk about on youtube, I have a few videos on my own channel for learning mixed voice if madeline doesn't have one here! use this exercise and develop muscle memory and your voice will smooth together your transitions between registers all on its own! (Taking a look at her channel, I think Madeline's "how to erase your vocal break" would teach you!)

[@sandramartin3474]

gently "sing" through a straw. Google Ingo Titze straw explanation

[@mimidrummond8110]

You must use your abdominal support. as you move from chest through middle range and into falsetto, you need to engage more and lower abs, also, use more air for top than chest...

[@matthewgalactic]

You know the breath exercises work when you fart doing the first one. AWESOME!

[@reanmondejar7183]

Matthew Ramos relatable

[@cosmicathesongstress7466]

I always fart anyways 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@ViewingMyMind]

Nigga no

[@drjaycraft9361]

Matthew Ramos yeha your correct hahahaa ulul

[@senecamontezdeoca3434]

So you make a silent fart?

[@bxtchtrials]

It didn't click until the exercise at the end.. when you started I was like "WHERE DO YOU BREATHE????" but then as I started to do it, I wasn't even thinking about it. Thank you so much!!

[@teodorgochev3455]

9:15 "Attractive, right?" :D I love you, Madeleine... Thank you so much for all the great lessons and for your loving personality. God bless you!

[@xanderxander8639]

"imagine air going in and out of your throat where your tongue and jaw meet." Me: Gags* 👁👄👁

[@nancywilliams7544]

I have struggled with breathing for years. This is the first time that I feel like "I finally have it!!!". Thank you

[@JohnsMusicClasses]

4:43 "No silly, I just let go..." *constipated fart*

[@jacquestaulard3088]

Just ran into your lovely and helpful site. Thank you for the effort and knowledge. The vid called 'Easy way to develop great breath support (Apr 23, 2016) was SO HELPFUL! It took awhile to grasp what you were saying. I don't mean by that that you weren't clear. Actually, after a half-dozen tries, and listening four times, I finally realized that I can do something that I thought was 'wrong!' I can exhale until nearly the breaking point (full voiced) and just by relaxing, refill my lings for the next whoop! I THOUGHT one had to take in a deep, full breath deliberately. And when singing, I would have to let it out to a comfortable point. Not so! I am still working out my old pieces with new timing of the breathing. With experience, I see it become easier and even with a reflexive inhalation, I can add more or less volume of air as needed. A very cool thing to teach. Probably sadly, people who have not tried some difficult pieces will give up too easily, but if such stick with it, the rewards increase the ease of inhalation by magnitudes.

[@officialeazy8018]

She’s a really good instructor and the techniques work really good ! Such a life saver ❤️💯

[@jeffansbro3799]

Thanks Madeleine for your brilliant contribution to vocal development! I’m happy I found you on my singing journey!!!

[@datewithgravity4162]

I kinda can do this but i feel like there is not enough air and if i had to do this more than 3 times i would feel dizzy. I feel as if I don't take full breath

[@arronchuefengyang]

This was great to watch!!!! Often times I forget to just let my body do what it does naturally. And I'm singing tomorrow too! So definitely gonna be using this technique of "getting out of the way"

[@MadeleineHarveyVoice]

+Chuefeng Yang Awesome! Break a leg!

[@christiancastillomusic2319]

I’ve heard and felt an instant improvement with your help! You are the best vocal teacher I’ve found in KZbin! I’ve found so many instructors that encourage damaging habits. Thank you so much for your time and expertise!!

[@deenaroberts]

This was more enlightening than I expected!! Such a simple, new perspective. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing!

[@ayomb]

i've just been binge watching these videos and now i'm gonna watch then as training everyday, i already see a difference in my vibrato!! you're a blessing!

[@danidenise194]

this is CRAZY. totally just changed the way i breathe when i sing! so thankful for this video wowza!!

[@easternsunguitarist5791]

definetely the best video ive watched so far on breathing for singers. When i watch all these videos of the voice or my idols singing. They never stop to breathe because theyve become accustomed to using the amount air that naturally enters their diaphram and lungs. Thank you.

[@kaylareynoso4884]

This is the best explanation I have ever had on how to breathe while singing! Using this technique I don't get light headed anymore! Thank you!

[@meghanstar6718]

VERY helpful. I wear my self doubt in my throat. The relaxation realized by your letting go method has allowed me to discover the origin of my voice and thus just let it out... as easily as I let it in. A million thanks!

[@RedWindField]

I have watched so many singing tutorial videos re breath support, and I just want to say bravo! Your lesson completely clicked with me and my breathing today was effortless. You're so right, a lot of teaching content out there makes you hyper self conscious of your breathing which, for me, made breathing feel like lifting weights at the gym. I felt freedom at the end of this video and I look forward to continuing this practice. Thank you!

[@laurenmurray192]

This is, hands down, the best vocal teacher I've ever found - anywhere. KZbin, in person, paid tutorials. She just explained breathing and helped me understand it for the first time ever. That was a very, very quick subscribe. Thank you Madeleine Harvey!

[@enzomorawski]

Instant results! So thankful I came across this video because I shudder at the thought of myself persevering (read: struggling) as I was beforehand! Thank you Madeleine.

[@barborakafkovamusic]

Exactly! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for spreading breathing wisdom! :)

[@SombR3ro]

This improved me alot and with the how to sing high notes video, I can sing 10x times better than before!! Thanks!!💜💜💜💜💓💓💓

[@dannychew8476]

You're such an Awesome Teacher. THANKS!

[@thebroccoliman1541]

I've checked out a ton of singing how to videos but none of them brought this way of breathing up, rly good!

[@UCantLaughWithoutMe]

Oooomg I wasn't actually expecting to learn anything new in this video but you sure did prove me wrong. I just wanted to thank you for blowing my mind and instantly improving my voice. Definitely subscribed.

[@tombutcher3620]

Thank you, Madeleine. This has cleared up an issue I've been having where I push on inhale. You made it very clear.

[@brirocket]

This is awesome, I need more of your technics. You just opened up a different eye! Thank you.

[@OloffMusic]

You are an unbelievable teacher, and youtuber! Genuinely just fantastic, thank you so much

[@amydelafuente1535]

You are so good at explaining everything and I feel super relaxed throughout your videos! Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge with us!!

[@MadeleineHarveyVoice]

Thank you so much!!

[@markbastiaans5370]

I could literally cry 😭 This helped me soooooooo much! I love you ❤️

[@maryjoymcdaniel]

When she said “Let Go.” I literally cried. It finally made sense to me.

[@Joygreat1999]

You're doing so great by impacting knowledge to people's live, what a great job👍❤

[@josephpurdue7583]

The last point about no tension going in, no tension going out was absolutely golden. Fantastic advice - thank you for sharing!

[@MiaHessMusic]

Thank you. I've been a professional singer for 40 years and I found this very very helpful thank you

[@jennabagaforo1616]

I applied what you taught just now and it instantly worked for me! Amazing! Thanks so much!

[@jefersonlobo]

thanks so much madeleine,you are a life saver ,happy new year !!!

[@braylen_king]

Thank you so much for this. Simple yet super effective! Amazing

[@doreenfiorelli5843]

Thank you for clearing up the mystery of the inhale. So simple yet has been so elusive. Really appreciate the advice. instant improvement.

[@Ricardojoglar]

Hi, Madeleine, once again thank for your classes. I've been singing and playing early music for years and always search for possibly precious information. Well, quite often singing teaching and daily practice breathing turn both to paranoya or esoterism and your class point departure is clear and wise about how natural breathing is (and should be...). Thank you

[@miya3596]

This is the best explaination / demonstration I have ever learned on breathing technique for singing! I loved the visual aid. Thank you so much, Madeleine ❤️ ❤️

[@thecargs]

Just wow! Love your way of explaining! And thank you so much for that video!! You actually explained how to do this, which no one does unfortunately. For someone who has no experience whatsoever with singing and wanna start, this is a lifesaver, thanks!

[@mila2032]

Thaaaank you soooo much for this wonderful piece of information Madeleine.

[@amyhirsh187]

Thank you Madeline - my singing has improved since I've seen your videos. Thank you, thank you!!!!!

[@angalmeida29]

Your energy is contagious

[@stacyzuberi9064]

You are so fun to watch!!!! Super helpful!

[@wigglesmcsimth3601]

I swear I learn something in every video, she's so helpful!

[@Brendafl0]

Thank you so much! I know very close to nothing about singing. Yet I'm learning because of you! Truly, thank you! ❤

[@alcap6145]

thank YOU!!! tge description of open throat inhaling is perfect and spot on. I am literally DROWNING in air, there is so much going into my lungs. no pushing out the belly or back or sides! the air FALLS right into my lungs! been taking lessons for two years now....and this really opened up my eyes. And lungs! RokkittBass

[@lesleysmith9122]

If/when I have ever thought about breathing, I always get a panic attack LOL

[@guapitatessa]

Madeleine Thank you so much! I am blessed to know you here. I love singing again Its help a lot for me.

[@jmel24]

I had learnt this breathing technique before but I somehow always found it difficult to execute while singing. You showed me how simple it really is. Thank you so much for this!

[@pz3ify]

Best breathing video I've seen! Thank you!!

[@jb9444]

This was the most helpful in me developing my breathing technique and relaxing and letting go the tension I’m feeling when I’m singing higher or controlling my vibrato, which happens naturally for me but I find I’ve been short of breath which makes it more strained, so thank you!

[@gabriellagrimaldos3728]

you explained sooo well!! thank you so much

[@RebeccaAnnewithanE]

I am 71 and used to have great vocal and breath control. After several years of not "on purpose" singing, my voice atrophied. Then I got into Barbershop and the vocal techniques and all singing principles are really college-level. So, I'm in the throws of trying to rebuild my vocal skills. VERY SLOW PROGRESS, 13 years back into singing. My range has lowered and my highest note that I can sustain is about the Ab 4. I can sing a Bb 4 and sometimes up to a C or D, but cannot sustain that Bb 4 for very long. I like having these lessons to target certain issues.

[@HieuHuynh-mm3uy]

It is wonderful, it so easy i got it thank you very much Madeleine

[@AbdulQadirTv]

oh myyyy u r soo funnyyy and very intelligent ..u told me to be what i really am ... i used to breathe the way i was taught but now u really made a difference by making me listen to my body and really observe what my natural breath is ..i mean thank you..,,i watched the whole ad and even clicked on the ads to help make u money ...and ofcource the "let go the stomach " was really helpful i used to tens my abs and strugggle getting more air ..but this "letting go " really made new space for more air ...oh my thanksssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

[@janiceduke4158]

Wow! This is the first time I have been able to understand how to do this! I am so excited. So very thrilled! Thank you so much for the effort you put in to your teaching.

[@irinajorgensen5114]

Great video, thank you very much, Madeleine! it helped me a lot to understand the breathing!!!

[@user-up8hn6gl2f]

This really got me out of my head when it comes to breathing, big thanks!

[@gabrielaarranzmorel6102]

This was just like magic. Really a drastic good change in my breathing

[@anetterobertsen]

This lesson made the magic for me!! I really understood it😁You explain so easy and uncomplicated. Love it!!! Thanks!!

[@TBnMe2013]

Wow. Totally worked! Thanks so much!!!

[@joemaguinaldo4795]

wow literally solved all my anxiety and breathing problems thanks for this

[@DeltaComp]

Excellent video! I never really thought of just letting in the air naturally, but it does make sense. Thank you!

[@CodyHoy]

I love you! thanks for these incredibly useful tips Madeleine :)

[@MadeleineHarveyVoice]

Love you too Don and you're very welcome!

[@Kristyana]

Thank you so much your videos are so simple to understand and you make it so easy to conceptualize.

[@tarekchahattou]

Helped me immensely, thank you so much!!!

[@kellylopez6336]

Wow i have been watching so many video´s on this toppic en felt so confused! This really helps so much! Thank you 🙏

[@Wtffml10]

Thank you so much! So simple, yet this has been such a beast for me to learn. Subscribed!!

[@DezziexLollygag]

I'm skeptical of learning vocal technique via KZbin, but this fixed my weird breathing habits (picked up from a variety of well-intentioned, but confusing voice teachers) instantly! This makes so much sense! I feel supported, it's natural, and I'm not trying to hack my already reflexive breathing process. Thanks so much!

[@catherenesathrack4333]

🤩 all the years I was breathing the wrong way While singing......this is really an eye opener... this trick really works....... thank God this video popped up......

[@TheArina33]

it helped thank you :) very good and simple explenation :)

[@nishabhatia9205]

You are truly great Madeleine. Watched so many of your videos. Really helped. God bless you !!

[@MadeleineHarveyVoice]

Thank you so much Nisha!

[@jonathanwisan6609]

THANK YOU! I’ve been asked to give voice lessons, and though I’ve been singing forever, I’ve never taught... so your videos are helping me put words and visual aid to the various concepts I’m trying to convey to the students. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

[@MadeleineHarveyVoice]

Yay!! A fellow voice teacher! Thank you so much! I'm glad to contribute to the community! Thank you for joining the cause of uplifting others by empowering the use of voice.

[@Nehway]

I’m in disbelief. Thank you!!! You helped so much!

[@godsson1860]

EXCELLENT TEACHER!.......refreshing

[@jandunn169]

Okay this is definitely answering my question from the last video. Thank you, I think I missed this crucial information when I took lessons in the past. You are helping me to sing without tightening up in the wrong places both mentally and physically. ❤💜💙💛😘Thank you so so much!!!

[@angelam6066]

Best Voice teacher ever! I find your visuals and description of the entire process very helpful. Thank you!

[@alwedoflorence3503]

how are you man of God me from Africa

[@paulinasr2784]

Loving your videos! Thanks a lot for all the great content. I am enjoying my singing so much more now!

[@MadeleineHarveyVoice]

+Paulina SR I'm so happy you're enjoying singing more! I'm glad these videos helped! Lots of love!

[@brooklynnbennight2661]

This helps SO much. I'm going into 8th grade honor choir and I really need to know this ... THANKS!!!

[@germanancillotti6731]

Genia!

[@erics7801]

hey madeleine, my granddaughter said my lullabys are boring. her tactful way of saying my singing is terrible hence finding your channel. your breathing exercise is outstanding.

[@Thebrookie2324]

Hi ! great video ! Thank so much for you for all this amazing free content, all your advice is really helpful !

[@MadeleineHarveyVoice]

+Pauline Trehen Thanks for your kind words! I'm so glad you like them! HUGS!