Unlock Your Voice: Assessing Rib Posture for Diaphragmatic Singing

When inhaling to sing, the first item we must assess is whether or not our body is receptive to taking an open, diaphragmatic inhalation. If our body is misaligned and/or is closed, it will restrict our best intentions and not allow for a full and open inhalation.

A common sign your body position is restricting your breathing is feeling like you are "taking" a breath instead of "allowing" a breath or "opening" into the breath. If your breath requires effort or a feeling like you cannot simply allow an full and open breath to happen itself, your body's orientation could be in the way. The breath should feel easy and your body should feel good while taking it without any discomfort.

There are a number of ways the position of our body can restrict our inhalation. This article will focus on the ribs and the angle at which they sit.

Find your ribs where they separate from each other in the front but still meet the spine in the back. These ribs are flexible and should bounce when you gently compress and palpitate them. Feel the angle at which these ribs are pointing. Are they pointing to your feet? If so, your ribs are holding tension and are collapsed. If you followed the line/angle your ribs create, it should hit the floor about a yard away from you at all times before, during, and directly after singing. These ribs should be able to fully open and expand as you let the breath come into your lungs, feeling the air in your back. Any collapse of the ribs below this angle will prevent proper diaphragmatic breathing and create restrictions.

While this is only one of many things to give attention to prior to singing, it is one of the most essential. It will be very clear when a singer does this correctly as the breath will feel and look open, relaxed, and effortless. Practice this before and during your practice sessions!