6-Week Singing challenge week 4 Phonation

Welcome to Week 3 of the 6-Week Singing Challenge! In this lesson, we’re continuing our work with breathing by exploring the role of the rib cage. You’ll learn how the intercostal muscles allow the rib cage to expand as you inhale and how maintaining that expansion can help you manage your breath and sing longer phrases. We’ll combine the skills from the first two weeks, including body awareness, healthy alignment, and abdominal breathing. Then you’ll use a timer to establish your starting point and track your progress throughout the week. This lesson is helpful for singers, actors, speakers, and anyone who wants to develop better breath control, greater vocal stamina, and a healthier voice. ⏱️ YOUR WEEK 3 TIMER CHALLENGE Every day this week: 1. Use a timer to measure how long you can comfortably sustain an “ah.” 2. Record your starting time. 3. Find your healthy singing alignment. 4. Inhale while allowing your abdomen to relax and your rib cage to expand. 5. Sustain the same note, vowel, and volume each time. 6. Keep the rib cage comfortably expanded instead of allowing it to collapse immediately. 7. Practice for 5–10 minutes and see whether you can add two, three, or even five seconds to your starting time. The goal is not to force or strain your voice. Focus on coordination, consistency, and body awareness. Start with the earlier lessons: Week 1, Body Awareness and Alignment:    • The 6-Week Singing Challenge: week 1 - Bod...   Week 2, Abdominal Breathing:    • 6-Week Singing Challenge: Week 2 - Breathi...   CHAPTERS 0:00 Welcome to Week 3 0:17 Week 2 Cookie Challenge check-in 0:47 Why daily practice matters 2:30 Continuing our work with breathing 4:03 The rib cage’s role in breathing 4:39 Feel your rib cage expand 5:36 Add a gentle hum 6:12 Managing the exhale 7:00 Your Week 3 Timer Challenge 7:16 Establish your starting time 8:12 Repeat with coordinated breathing 9:16 Compare your results 9:30 Daily challenge instructions 10:14 Final encouragement Ready to work with Melissa? Schedule a Discovery Session: https://go.melissakamm.me/discovery-s... Subscribe for practical voice training, vocal-health guidance, singing exercises, and audition support for actors and singers. #BreathControl #SingingChallenge #VocalStamina #SingingLessons #VocalTechnique #BreathSupport #VoiceTraining #MelissaKammVoiceCoach