Significance of breathe control in Hindustani Classical Music

In Hindustani Classical Music, a lot of emphasis is given on breath control. The Indian Classical Music School, California advises diaphragmatic breathing or belly breathing to improve the texture of your voice and the way it sounds. The tone with which you sing reaches the audience by riding on the air as you exhale during singing. When you start singing or phonation, vibrations are caused by air producing sound. These vibrations will continue as long as your breathing lasts.  That is why it is very important that you should have a good control over your breathe so that every note that you deliver reaches the audience with crystal clarity.

Practicing Belly Breath

Here is a technique of belly breathing that a student taking Hindustani Classical Music Lessons should master:

•    Lie on your back on the floor and keep the knees raised above the ground. Let the feet rest on the floor.

•    Now, place a lightweight book on your abdomen with center at the waistline.

•    Relax and quickly lift up the book by using only your belly. Due to this the book will move upwards.

•    Be in this position for 5 to 15 seconds.

•    Slowly lower the book and let the belly come back to its natural position. This process of slowly lowering book is similar to what you do while singing.

•    You can do this exercise several times to increase your hold over breathing.

The Indian Classical Music School, California recommends that once you have mastered it in sleeping position you can try doing it in standing position.