Movements while singing

Hi Camille,

In your "Improve Your Singing Voice Today" video, when you are talking about breath support, you suggest adding a physical movement that lasts for the duration of the phrase. Could you please elaborate on the type of movements that work best. And how do these physical movements help our singing? Lastly, is this just for practicing or is this also applicable for performing?

Thank you.

Hi, Kevin! A few to try would be: drawing an imaginary line with your hand/fingers from your chest, moving forward in front of your body; drawing a circle that closes by the end of the phrase; and slowly pushing your hands down at your sides, fully extending by the end of the phrase. 

You don't need to use movement if you don't ultimately find it helpful. But for many singers, it creates a clear "goal" for your breath control; it distracts you a little from worrying about running out of breath; it engages your body, which is how we control our breath flow in the first place; and it gives both a visual and physical "connection" to the length of the phrase. 

These are typically used for practice, until you're consistently supporting through the end of the phrase (for practical reasons, since movements like that may be distracting on stage). However, when I'm recording at home or in the studio, I'm using any movements that help me!

Here's a short lesson on breathing you may find helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HM5lrvtQTYY