Breathing Exercises for Singers
Follow an Alchevsky-inspired routine: five exercises, counted breaths and a weekly plan.
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0 / 3 rounds completed · 0 s
3 repetitions · 1m 2s · 60 BPM
Pause or reset if the breath becomes uneven. Stop if dizzy; breathe normally. Never strain a hold.
Weekly plan and all 23 levels
Always begin with Table 1. Monday, Wednesday and Friday: Tables 1 and 3. Tuesday and Thursday: 1, 2 and 5. Saturday: 1, then 4. Sunday: rest, or a gentle Table 1.
Practise 3–4 calm repetitions at your current level. Move up only after even, easy practice on three separate days. The table values are counts; recovery pauses are extra.
1. Foundation — the even exhale
| Level | In | Hold | Out | Sound / shape |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 2 | 8 | hiss sss |
| 2 | 4 | 2 | 10 | hiss sss |
| 3 | 4 | 3 | 12 | hiss sss / fff |
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 16 | hiss sss |
| 5 | 3 | 4 | 20 | hiss sss |
| 6 | 3 | 4 | 24 | hiss sss |
| 7 | 2 | 4 | 30 | hiss sss |
2. The suspension — appoggio brake
| Level | In | Hold | Out | Sound / shape |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 3 | 8 | hiss sss |
| 2 | 4 | 4 | 10 | hiss sss |
| 3 | 3 | 5 | 12 | hiss → light vowel |
| 4 | 3 | 6 | 14 | hiss sss |
3. Onto the voice
| Level | In | Hold | Out | Sound / shape |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 2 | 8 | vvv → ah |
| 2 | 4 | 2 | 12 | zzz → ah |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 16 | sung vowel |
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 20 | sung vowel |
4. Dynamic control — messa di voce
| Level | In | Hold | Out | Sound / shape |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 2 | 8 | grow 4 · steady 4 |
| 2 | 4 | 2 | 9 | grow 3 · steady 3 · fade 3 |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 12 | grow 4 · steady 4 · fade 4 |
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 15 | grow 5 · steady 5 · fade 5 |
5. The quick catch-breath
| Level | In | Hold | Out | Sound / shape |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 1 | 12 | hiss sss |
| 2 | 2 | 1 | 12 | hiss / sung |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 14 | sung vowel |
| 4 | ½ | 0 | 16 | sung vowel |
These counts are a practical reconstruction inspired by Hryhoriy Alchevsky’s three-phase approach, not a transcription of his original tables.
How to practise
- Start with Foundation at a comfortable level. Use 60 BPM first; 50 BPM makes each count longer.
- Follow inhale, a gentle open-throat hold, then an even hiss or sung exhale. Keep shoulders down and the throat free.
- Rest between repetitions. After a completed session, mark it only if it felt even and easy. Advance after three separate easy days.
Questions
Are these Alchevsky’s original breathing tables?
No. This is a practical training reconstruction inspired by Hryhoriy Alchevsky’s inhale–hold–exhale approach. The five tables contain 23 levels; the exact counts are not presented as his original publication.
How long is one count?
One second at 60 BPM, or 1.2 seconds at 50 BPM. The final catch-breath level uses half a count: 0.5 seconds at 60 BPM. Recovery pauses are measured in seconds.
How do I move to the next level?
Complete 3–4 calm repetitions and mark the session only if it felt even and easy. Three different marked days unlock the next level. Advancing is your choice; the timer never judges your breathing.
Is my breathing recorded or uploaded?
No. This tool does not use a microphone. Your selected levels and marked dates are saved in this browser only, with no account or upload. Clear a level to remove its marked dates.