Circular Breathing in Singing: Techniques and Applications
Circular Breathing in Singing: Techniques and Applications
Circular breathing is an essential technique for singers and wind instrument players, allowing for continuous sound without noticeable breaks for breath. This technique involves inhaling through the nose while simultaneously pushing air out through the mouth using the cheeks. In this article, we will explore the steps to practice circular breathing, its applications in various genres, and some examples of its use by famous singers and musicians.Understanding the Basics of Circular Breathing
Circular breathing is a technique that enables performers to maintain a continuous note or sound, making it ideal for prolonged phrases in various musical genres. It requires a combination of inhalation and exhalation techniques that are executed in a specific sequence.
Steps to Practice Circular Breathing
1. Understand the Basics
Inhale through your nose. Expand your cheeks to store air. Push air out through your mouth using your cheek muscles.2. Practice Cheek Control
Take a deep breath and blow air out steadily through your mouth. While blowing, puff out your cheeks and practice holding the air in your cheeks.3. Combine Inhaling and Exhaling
Start with a steady sound like a sustained note. Inhale through your nose while maintaining the sound by pushing air from your cheeks.4. Gradually Increase Complexity
Once comfortable, try singing phrases or notes while practicing the technique. Experiment with different pitches and dynamics.5. Use a Straw
Practice blowing through a straw while inhaling through your nose to simulate the feeling of circular breathing.Applications in Singing
Circular breathing is not just limited to instrumental players. Many singers, particularly those in opera, jazz, and world music, have incorporated this technique into their performances. Here are some specific examples and applications of how circular breathing is used in different musical styles.
Sustained Notes
Singers can use circular breathing to hold long notes without interruption, which is particularly useful in genres like opera or classical singing. Artists like Pavarotti are known to use this technique to perform long and uninterrupted notes in their arias.
Jazz and Contemporary Styles
Jazz musicians, particularly saxophonists and trumpeters, utilize this technique to create a more fluid sound during improvisation. Vocalists may apply it to mimic instrumental solos or to sustain long notes during jazz performances.
World Music
In various traditional music styles such as throat singing or certain styles of folk music, circular breathing is often employed to produce continuous sounds. For example, some traditional Tuvan throat singers maintain drone-like sounds while singing melodies using this technique.
Here are some notable artists who have incorporated circular breathing into their performances:
Opera Singers: They might use circular breathing in arias that require long sustained phrases, as seen in the works of Luciano Pavarotti. Jazz Vocalists: Artists like Bobby McFerrin may use it to create seamless vocal improvisations, enhancing their performances. World Music: Throat singers in Tuva or Mongolia often use circular breathing to maintain drone-like sounds while singing melodies.