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Unit 1 · One easy breath

The long note

A long note is about letting the air out slowly, not big lungs. Breathe low, hold "oo" over a drone, and stop while it's still easy. Free, at your own pace.

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More in One easy breath

What it teaches

A long note isn't about big lungs. It's letting the air out slowly and stopping while it's still easy. Hear one run out of air, then one end on purpose.

Warm up. Hum a few slow slides, low to high and back

Breathe in low. Belly, sides and back widen; shoulders stay down

Stop while it's easy. Never squeeze out the last drop

Before your first hold: sing easy and medium-soft, and stop while it's easy.

Never hold your breath first. Breathe in and start the note, no pause

Don't lock your stomach. Stop if you feel dizzy, wheezy or tight. Sit for long holds if you've ever felt lightheaded.

Take care. With asthma or another lung or heart condition, or if pregnant, keep holds short and easy. Skip this when hoarse or ill.

Breathe normally for three easy breaths. No countdown: go on when you're ready.

Breathe normally. In and out, easy

Shoulders down. Let them drop

When you're ready. Go on

What you sing

  1. Hold "oo" over the drone as long as it's easy. No goal: this first hold is your own starting point.
  2. Again, with your first try marked. Breathe low, let the air out slowly, and stop while it's still steady.

Singing safely

Don't lock your stomach. Stop if you feel dizzy, wheezy or tight, and sit for long holds. With asthma, another lung or heart condition, or if pregnant, keep holds short and easy. Skip it when hoarse or ill.

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Stackapella recording the alto part of Amazing Grace: each note is a bar with its name, and the one being sung says A little low, go up. Stackapella recording the alto part of Amazing Grace: each note is a bar with its name, and the one being sung says A little low, go up. Stackapella recording the alto part of Amazing Grace: each note is a bar with its name, and the one being sung says A little low, go up. Stackapella recording the alto part of Amazing Grace: each note is a bar with its name, and the one being sung says A little low, go up.
  • A guide sings your partHear your line over the others, slow it down, then take your turn.
  • Your notes light upEach note shows where you landed, and a hint when to go up or down.
  • Record every part yourselfStack your takes in time until you're the whole choir.
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