Weekly Online Sessions
Join our relaxed weekly singing sessions to practise our stimulating vocal exercises and breathing techniques with our team of musicians.
Breath Cycle II
Exercises on Demand
Sing your way to better health
These video exercises will guide you through the basics of some operatic singing techniques. They can be used by anyone who has breathing difficulties – particularly those living with Long COVID.
The exercises are split in three levels. Each level increases in difficulty and guides you through different aspects of breathing and singing. Level 1 is the easiest step, Level 2 is marginally more challenging, and Level 3 is advanced. Work up to the level at which you are comfortable. You can even mix and match different exercises from the three levels to create your own personalised routine.
Remember to start your practice by focusing on your posture and finish with mindfulness.
Click on the arrows below the video frame to move between the lessons.
Presented by Vocal Instructors David Douglas, Jessica Leary and Daniela Hathaway.
The full playlist can also be accessed here.
Please note Breath Cycle is not a medically led programme and is delivered by trained opera singers. If you have any concerns about the suitability of the course please consult your doctor or medical professional.
Posture
Level 1
Breathing
Connecting to your own breathing pattern. We will try and lower our breathing by letting go fully of our abdominal muscles on the in breath. As you breathe out feel those same muscles moving gently and slowly towards your spine.Cup of Tea
A fun exercise that will help you engage with the abdominal muscles by using a variety of consonants. Incorporate this story exercise into you vocal warm up.Vocal Warm Up
Singing exercises that will help to feel the engagement of our abdominal muscles further. Using initially voiced consonants like V, J and Z and then adding a vowel to those same consonants to feel the continuous flow of air as we sing.Opera Fruits
A fun vocal warm, incorporating elements of many of the previous exercises.I can sing for 1, 2, 3, 4
Exercise 1: Exploring different voice qualities. Exercise 2: Exploring stamina and how far you can go with your breath.An Eriskay Love Lilt
Enjoy singing this beautiful Hebridean folk song.Level 2
Breathing
In this exercise, we consider the movement of the upper torso and role of the intercostal and abdominal musicales in relation to efficient breath management. This exercise can be used to develop breathing stamina and engagement.Cup of Tea
A fun exercise that will help you engage with the abdominal muscles by using a variety of consonants. Incorporate this story exercise into you vocal warm up.Vocal Warm Up
Using a straw, we will focus on creating a well aligned vocal tract and an efficient use of air flow. The steps in this exercise are designed to eliminate any vocal tension and create a well-balanced sound.Opera Fruits
Exercise 1: Exploring different voice qualities. Exercise 2: Exploring stamina and how far you can go with your breath.I can sing 1, 2, 3, 4
Exercise 1: Exploring different voice qualities. Exercise 2: Exploring stamina and how far you can go with your breath.Haida
Have a go at the actions to this fun song and explore singing simple 2-part harmonies!Level 3
Breathing
This advanced exercise focuses on achieving a low breath, whilst controlling and supporting the out breath in order to achieve a more efficient use of breath support. During this exercise we will focus on engaging the abdominal muscles on the out breath.Cup of Tea
A fun exercise that will help you engage with the abdominal muscles by using a variety of consonants. Incorporate this story exercise into you vocal warm up.Vocal Warm Up
In this exercise, we explore vocal sirens and semi-occluded exercises/sounds. These exercises can be used as part of a vocal warm-up and can help to gently extend the vocal range over time.Opera Fruits
Exercise 1: Exploring different voice qualities. Exercise 2: Exploring stamina and how far you can go with your breath.I can sing 1, 2, 3, 4
Exercise 1: Exploring different voice qualities. Exercise 2: Exploring stamina and how far you can go with your breath.The Wellerman
Have fun with this Sea shanty from New Zealand in three parts. Have a go at learning each part and then choose your favourite and challenge yourself to sing with the other parts at the same time.Mindfulness
The Covid Composers Songbook
A songbook written by our participants about their experiences during lockdown for anyone to use, sing along and contribute to. New songs are now available to listen.
Breath Cycle II
Breath Cycle is an online project designed to benefit those living with a range of conditions affecting lung health, in particular Long COVID.