Sing better without singing? Let’s see what we can do with Claudia Friedlander
Singers often hear the term “support” but receive mixed messages about what it truly means and how to achieve it.
Claudia Freelander cuts through the confusion by redefining support as dynamic breath management, showing how targeted bodywork, mobility work, and mindful practices can transform a vocalist’s technique without the need for rigid, one‑size‑fits‑all rules.
What Is “Support” in Singing?
Freelander explains that support is not a static “hold” or a fixed posture. It is any deliberate action that regulates sub‑glottal breath pressure during singing. This regulation changes from phrase to phrase, requiring the singer to stay aware of how the body moves in real time. By viewing singing as a series of nuanced movements—much like dance or sport—vocalists can shift their focus from trying to “hold” something to mastering coordinated, fluid actions.
Breath Management vs. Traditional “Support”
Key differences outlined by Freelander:
- Dynamic vs. static: Traditional “support” often feels like a rigid brace; breath management is fluid and adapts throughout a phrase.
- Movement‑based: Effective breath management relies on coordinated rib‑cage, diaphragm, and abdominal movements rather than simply pulling the stomach in.
- Consistent sub‑glottal pressure: The goal is to keep breath pressure steady by adjusting the body, not by forcing air out with a single muscle group.
Myofascial Release: The Sponge‑Ball Technique
One of Freelander’s favorite tools is a small rubber “sponge ball” (also called a mini‑yoga ball). It helps singers release chronic tension in the abdomen and rib area, creating immediate space for deeper breaths.
How to use it:
- Lie face‑down on a mat.
- Place the ball between the sternum and belly button (or lower for deeper work).
- Support your weight on your forearms, adjusting how much pressure lands on the ball.
- Breathe slowly—inhale to expand into the ball, exhale to sink a little farther.
- Continue for 5–10 minutes, then stand and notice the extra rib‑cage expansion.
The technique is inexpensive (around $13) and can be incorporated into daily warm‑ups.
Rib‑Cage Mobility Exercises
A free ribcage allows for fuller inhalations and smoother airflow. Freelander recommends two simple, equipment‑light movements:
- Prone Ball Rib‑Lift: Lying on your back with knees bent, place the ball under the shoulder blades. Gently lift the ribs away from the pelvis while breathing, keeping the neck supported.
- Side‑to‑Side “Wiggle”: Stand with soft knees, place hands on the lower ribs, and shift weight from one side to the other in sync with inhalation and exhalation.
These exercises improve the range of motion for both inhalation and exhalation, helping singers sense when they are unintentionally “holding” their ribcage.
Yoga Nidra for Vocalists
Freelander describes Yoga Nidra—often translated as “yogic sleep”—as a powerful way to develop interoception, the internal sense of bodily states. By guiding the mind through a body scan and breath awareness, singers can sharpen their perception of subtle pressure changes that affect tone and phrasing. A brief 5‑minute guided session before practice can provide the mental clarity needed for precise breath control.
Common Myths About Singing and Fitness
Freelander dispels several widespread misconceptions:
- Myth: “Strength training will ruin your voice.”
Truth: When performed without pre‑existing tension, strength work can enhance support. - Myth: “Only cardio improves breath support.”
Truth: Flexibility and mobility are equally essential for efficient airflow. - Myth: “Support means keeping the stomach permanently out.”
Truth: Support is a dynamic balance; sometimes the abdomen relaxes, sometimes it contracts—always intentionally. - Myth: “Simply relaxing tension solves the problem.”
Truth: Identifying and altering the movement patterns that create tension is more effective than merely trying to “let go.”
Designing a Personal Vocal Fitness Routine
Freelander suggests a balanced weekly plan that blends bodywork, mobility, mindfulness, and functional strength:
- Myofascial release (sponge ball) 2‑3 times a week to keep abdominal tissue supple.
- Rib‑cage mobility drills before each vocal warm‑up.
- Yoga Nidra sessions for mental focus and interoceptive awareness.
- Low‑impact cardio (walking, cycling) to improve oxygen consumption.
- Targeted core work only after tension has been released, ensuring the muscles support rather than restrict breathing.
Consistency, not intensity, is the key. Tracking sensations of “support” after each session helps singers fine‑tune their personal approach.
Resources and Next Steps
- Book: Complete Vocal Fitness – detailed explanations and video links.
- Online course: “Vocal Athlete Blueprint” – step‑by‑step guidance on myofascial release, rib‑cage work, and breath management.
- Equipment: Search for “Jill Miller Tune Up Fitness sponge ball” on Amazon or local fitness stores.
- Videos: Look for Claudia Freelander’s rib‑cage mobility and myofascial release demos on YouTube.
- Yoga Nidra playlists: Free “Singers Yoga Nidra” collections are available on Spotify and YouTube.
Closing Thoughts
Claudia Freelander reshapes the conversation around vocal support by treating the voice as a dynamic athletic instrument. Her emphasis on movement, targeted myofascial release, and mindful breathing equips singers with practical, evidence‑based tools that move beyond vague “hold your stomach” advice. By integrating these techniques, vocalists can achieve steadier breath pressure, greater range, and a more expressive, resilient sound.
Start with a simple sponge‑ball release today, and watch your vocal support transform from mysterious to measurable.
