Our Vocal Music Tip today is an answer to a very common question: How do I project my voice?    
    
One of the ways to project your voice is by learning how to breathe properly. Breathing is defined as the alternate inhalation and exhalation of air during respiration.

Breathing greatly affects voice projection. Generally, a good breath control is essential if you want to sing safely and powerfully.

There are two very important body parts that we use when we breathe: the lungs and the diaphragm. The lungs are commonly used as air storage. Just underneath the lungs is the diaphragm.

As a Vocal Coach I always advise my students to use their diaphragm when singing. Why? Because the diaphragm is one of the main muscles responsible for generating a powerful voice. (There is another kind of muscles that I will mention later).

The diaphragm is in its resting (convex) position during exhalation. When you breathe in, the diaphragm moves downward into a concave position making room for your lungs to take in air. This is an automatic movement and the only way you can control this is during inhalation.

As you release the air together with the words of the song you are singing, your sound volume decreases unless you use your diaphragm to support your voice.

Aside from the diaphragm, there is another set of muscles that play a very important role in generating a powerful voice, the lower abdominal muscles. These are the muscles located just underneath the diaphragm.

The lower abdominal muscles should be in a relaxed position when breathing in. This would mean that when you breathe out as you sing, the muscles will contract, pushing and controlling the air flow.

Simple Breathing Exercise:

Remember to breathe in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth. And as you breathe in the lower abdominal muscles should expand and contract as you breathe out. You may put your right or left palm on your tummy so you can feel the expansion and contraction of the lower abdominal muscles.

Do this gradually a few times. It might take a while to co-ordinate. Practice this exercise at a maximum of 1 minute per set of inhalation and exhalation. then take another 1 minute rest and then do it again up to a maximum of 5 minutes only. Remember to drink water in between rests.
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DISCLAIMER NOTE: To avoid any medical complications, consult your health professional before you perform this exercise. Vocal Music Education and Ben Noynay shall not be liable to any medical condition of anyone as a result of doing this exercise.