Breathing While Singing: Insights From Speech Science

Abstract: Breathing is a complex biological process that not only sustains life but serves as the foundational energy source for vocal communication and arts. Over the past half century, scientific knowledge of breathing has advanced, but such knowledge has yet to be deeply applied to singing contexts. In this article, scientific principles from respiratory and speech sciences, and also from osteopathy and physical therapy, are reviewed and applied to singing to illuminate optimal breathing biomechanics for singing. A conceptual framework of breathing biomechanics for breath support for singing is proposed and utilized to clarify some common misconceptions regarding breathing for singing.