Are we supposed to lift our rib cage when singing?

MarkusAa

Are we supposed to lift our rib cage when singing?

highmtn

Yes. Listen to what Ken says about "ribcage expansion" or "chest expansion".

Fill the chest 1/2 to 3/4 of the way and let that air remain in the chest for several breath cycles, independent of the belly breaths you are taking in and releasing. Every 4 or 5 breaths, when there is a pause in the music or the exercises, you can relax the chest expansion, then quickly resume it before the next phrase comes in.

This expansion takes the weight of the ribcage off of the lungs and helps with control of the breath mechanism. It is a PART of support.

Read up all that you can here in the forums about support. Ribcage expansion is a component of support.

MarkusAa

Thank you!

PhilipBY

I got a strange question. I sing for 1 year, but I still can't understand, why I can't expand my lower part of rib cage at all. I feel good support only with my stomach blow out and then I sounds pretty clear. But if I try to fill the lungs little more, making an effort to expand this ribs, I just feel choke and nothing more. Please, somebody give me helpful advice! Thank you.

highmtn

Remember that ribcage expansion is only 1/2 to 3/4 full. Don't "tank up" on too much air. That will make too much pressure in the lungs. Don't fill up that little bit more.