Are you using Your Diaphragm to Sing?

Proper singing requires strength and resistance. This is achieved through practice. After a 2 hour concert I feel wiped out, as if I have been doing exercise. Why? Simply because I have been doing exercise.

If you notice that you are getting laryngitis after longer spells of singing, it's probably because you're not using your diaphragm to do it.

Your diaphragm is a muscle just below your ribs which contracts your abdomen and lower ribs when singing properly. The effect is similar to when you do situps.If you notice that this is not happening when you're trying to get volume or higher notes in your singing, your chances of blowing your voice are far greater than someone who sings properly.

Analyze the way you sing: If your shoulders are moving forward and you notice pressure just below your neck and consequently tilting your head back or moving it forward when you sing, you're doing it wrong. If, on the other hand, you notice that your shoulders and head are relaxed and you're feeling abdominal pressure inwards and upwards, chances are you're using your diaphragm to sing -this is very good.

Even though your voice sounds tuned when singing the 'wrong way', there's no real power in your voice and you end up screaming to get those high notes out and it's, 'Hello laryngitis'!

Make sure your abdomen is being contracted and your shoulders are relaxed when you sing. By tilting your head back, you're obstructing your throat. Your chin should be roughly at a 90º angle with your body (i.e. it's natural position) and open your throat to avoid obstructing the sound from coming out.

I realize that all this is easier said than done, but just as body builders train with weights to condition their muscles, you need to practice the right way to condition your diaphragm.

When you're doing it right, you'll realize that you can get real power in your voice and greater volume control.

I can still remember some years ago when Barry White (member of The Platters) was in town and I went to a friends house to see him practice. When he was warming up his voice, you could hear the roof shake on some notes! You can imagine how powerful his voice was, and yet he was able to sing soft parts beautifully, also. Now, that's control!