If you're a singer, you know the importance of proper breath control. Breathing is the fuel for your voice, and the way you breathe can have a significant impact on the quality of your performance. However, prolonged periods of oral breathing – often seen in professional singers – can require more pressure to initiate and sustain vocal fold oscillation.
The Benefit of Nasal Breathing
Compared to oral breathing, nasal breathing offers a multitude of benefits. It naturally humidifies and filters incoming air, reducing the risk of irritation and inflammation of the vocal cords. This can lead to an improvement in voice quality and lower the risk of developing voice disorders. So, how does this work in practice? When you breathe through your nose, the effort required during speech and singing can be significantly reduced.
Maintaining Nasal Breathing: The Key to Vocal Health
To reap the benefits of nasal breathing, singers should strive to maintain this practice throughout their everyday life, including during exercise, rest, and sleep. Nasal breathing helps to prevent dryness of the larynx, which can cause vocal strain and hinder your performance.
