Every so often a singer captures my attention because they are a living, breathing (pardon the pun) example of what I try to teach my vocal students. As you may have deciphered from most of my blogs about vocal technique, breathing is the foundation on which my entire 5 Point Singing System is based. I believe that if you are not breathing correctly, nothing else will work for you regarding great pitch, power and the ability to deliver a song with emotion.
A few years ago while watching the Grammy broadcast, Alicia Keys performed her huge hit, “If I Ain’t Got You”. I was immediately engaged upon hearing her first breath. If you realize it or not, that air intake you hear from a singer is a big part of the emotional delivery of a song and is one of the things that will help give us “goose bumps” when we are listening. Check it out here:
http://youtu.be/FUYikToUnVM (you might have to copy and paste this as I had trouble linking it. If not, search Alicia Keys Grammys 2005)
The frequency of her breaths as well as the amount of air she takes in for big notes are all factors in the brilliance of how well she delivered that song. I never get tired of watching this clip. In fact, I love singing this song myself as it is so well crafted and such a joy to sing. The breathing rhythm (where you need to take your breaths) is absolutely paramount in delivering this song flawlessly. If you barrel through a space where you should have taken a breath you may find yourself singing flat or not having the power you need when engage your diaphragm support.
Great breathing, regarding frequency and size per breath is the secret to singing any song well. Next time you write or learn a song, think about where your breaths should be placed and I guarantee you will sing the song with so much more ease, great pitch and power if you follow the breathing rhythm.
Until next time… Breathe and Happy Singing!
Angela
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