In many breathing exercises the student is instructed to put their hand on their belly and feel their belly fill with air. But, there is never any mention of the ribs swinging open at the same time. For singing we need the bottom of the ribcage to expand which lowers the diaphragm and thus causes the belly to lift up. It is important not to miss the correct sequence of inhalation, which is the ribs swing open and then the belly expands. Read more →