breathstacking

Breathstacking is a vocal technique used by singers and speakers to extend the length of a sustained note or phrase beyond a single breath. It involves a strategic and coordinated effort to replenish the lungs with air without interrupting the sound. The technique relies on the precise timing of small, rapid inhalations taken during brief, almost imperceptible moments of silence within the vocalization.

The process begins with a deep, diaphragmatic breath. As the air is exhaled and the vocal sound is produced, the performer maintains control of the airflow. When the initial breath is nearing depletion, a small amount of air is quickly inhaled through the nose or mouth, often between syllables or at the end of a word, while the vocal cords continue to vibrate. This small influx of air is then "stacked" onto the remaining air in the lungs, allowing the exhalation and vocalization to continue.

Several small inhalations may be necessary to sustain a very long note. The effectiveness of breathstacking depends on the performer's ability to manage breath support, vocal cord closure, and the timing of the micro-inhalations. Mastering this technique requires significant practice and control over the respiratory system and vocal apparatus. It is commonly employed in classical singing, opera, and some forms of speech that require sustained vocal projection.