The Benefits of Buteyko Breathing for Singers: A Vocal Coach's Journey
Personal Benefits: Improved Vocal Fold Closure, less Performance Anxiety and Ground
I first came across the Buteyko Breathing Method last year when I read James Nestor’s book “Breathe.” However it wasn’t until I began Myofunctional Therapy as treatment for a tongue tie that I was able to try out the method for myself, and was surprised by how much it helped me. Prior to this, if someone had asked me if I had difficulty with breathing, I would have said ‘no’. In fact as a singer and singing teacher who does breathing exercises on a regular basis, I wasn’t sure what kind of benefits it would have for me. However I can confidently say now that the Buteyko method has significantly improved my own abilities as a singer. I will go into this in more detail in another blog but to summmarise, I’ve experienced:
Improved vocal fold closure (this contributes to things such as being able to sing more loudly with ease, a more resonant sound and being able to hold notes for longer.)
Reduced performance anxiety- something I have been working on for many years and would have a severe impact on my breathing
Improved activation of my abdominal muscles and a more effective inhale when singing
The ability to hold notes for longer, and a general need to take less frequent breaths
A feeling having a more grounded connection to my voice.
As you can imagine, this personal transformation has fuelled my enthusiasm for sharing these benefits with my students.
As a certified Vocal Habilitation Professional based in London, I have a passion for working with singers who don't quite fit into the conventional mould. My journey as a vocal coach and singing teacher has always been intertwined with a deep interest in health, especially given that many of the singers I work with have complex health backgrounds. This is why I’ve decided to train in the Buteyko Breathing Method, a decision that has been incredibly rewarding and transformative both for my students and myself.
Understanding Health and Singing: The Missing Link
The Buteyko Breathing Method has provided me with invaluable insights into common health issues that often affect singers, such as asthma, sleep disorders, allergies, and anxiety. These are conditions that can significantly impact a singer’s performance and overall well-being. By better understanding the underlying health challenges my clients face, I can offer more comprehensive and effective support.
Assessing and Measuring Progress in Breathing
One of the challenges I have faced as a vocal coach has always been finding effective ways to assess a singer’s breathing and clear ways to measure their progress. Singing is an art form with numerous variables, making it difficult to measure at times. The Buteyko method offers some concrete ways to evaluate breathing habits and track improvements. It can provide a sense of structure and clear goals for those singers who thrive on measurable progress.
Demystifying Breathing for Singing
Breathing for singing has always been a complex and sometimes confusing topic for me. Despite having shelves full of books on the subject, I often found myself feeling that something was missing. The Buteyko method has filled in some of these gaps, helping me understand why some singers respond better to certain breathing exercises than others. It has clarified the relationship between a singer’s health with their potential breathing habits, and from this I’ve been able to recognise how these things can negatively impact vocal performance in a way that I never could pin down before.
Beyond Biomechanics: The Role of Biochemistry and Psychology
Many traditional singing methods focus heavily on biomechanics, expecting singers’ bodies to move in specific ways. However, I’ve observed that many singers’ bodies don’t conform to these expectations, and I used to feel very frustrated by this gap in my skillset. It was clear to me that a one-hour weekly singing lesson wasn’t going to have enough of an impact upon a singer who was struggling with dysfunctional breathing. The Buteyko method offers a solution to this as it begins by understanding the biochemistry of our breathing habits in daily life (i.e. not just when we are singing) and the impact of these habits on the biomechanics of the body. (i.e. how the torso moves to support the diaphragm.) This extra step in the process has been crucial in addressing the unique needs of my singing clients.
Supporting the Human Behind the Voice
Ultimately, my decision to add the Buteyko Breathing Method to my vocal coaching services is about more than just improving vocal techniques; it’s about supporting and understanding the human behind the voice. By integrating this method into my practice, I can offer my students a more comprehensive approach to their vocal health and overall well-being. The Buteyko method has enriched my coaching practice, allowing me to better serve singers who don’t quite fit the conventional mould and helping them achieve their full potential.
Its early days but incorporating the Buteyko Breathing Method into my vocal coaching has been a game-changer, providing both me and my students with deeper insights and more effective tools for vocal health and performance. I am excited to continue this journey and see the profound impact it will have on the singers I work with.
