Choir Breathing Demystified: How to Breathe Better When You Sing-PT2

Why Posture Makes or Breaks Your Singing

Hi, I’m Elizabeth Lusty, choir director of the Love2sing Choir in Ealing, West London. One of the questions I get asked all the time by singers is this:

“How should I breathe when I sing in choir?”

It’s a great question—and one that comes up whether you’ve been singing for years or are just getting back into it. In this post, I’ll break down what really matters when it comes to breathing for choir singing—based on years of leading large, vibrant community choirs and helping singers find freedom and confidence in their voices.

⚠️ Just a quick note: I’m not a classically trained singer, and this post reflects my experience with contemporary and popular choir styles (the kind we love at The Love2sing Ealing Choir!).

Posture: Your Secret Weapon

Breathing well starts with standing well. Here’s how to align your body for better breath and tone:

• Feet: hip-width apart

• Knees: slightly soft

• Shoulders: rolled back and down

• Chest: lifted

• Chin: pulled gently back

• Neck: long and relaxed

  
  

Think of your body as the scaffolding around your larynx. A stable, aligned frame allows your voice to move freely and confidently.

Why Posture Makes or Breaks Your Singing

Good posture isn’t just about standing up straight. It’s the foundation of healthy, efficient singing. When your body is aligned, your lungs have the space they need to expand fully, your diaphragm can move freely, and your larynx stays relaxed and responsive. Poor posture (like slouching or locking your knees) compresses your torso, restricts airflow, and often leads to unwanted tension in the neck, shoulders, and jaw. All of which can compromise your tone and stamina.

Think of posture as your body’s way of saying “I’m ready to sing.”

A strong, balanced stance helps you project with ease, stay in control of your breath, and reduce vocal strain. Over time, developing a habit of good posture not only improves your singing but also boosts your physical confidence on stage and off. Plus, it just feels better to sing when your body is open and energised!

Sing With Us and Learn More

At The Love2sing Ealing Choir, I help adult singers build vocal confidence in a fun, relaxed, and musically satisfying environment. We don’t obsess over perfection—we focus on enjoyment, progress, and sounding great together.

If you’d like to put this breathing advice into action in a real-life choir, why not try us out this autumn?

🗓 Autumn Term: Tuesdays, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM📍 St Barnabas Church Hall, Ealing🎟 Trial session: Just £10 – book yours here