Breath Support
Breath Support is a fundamental skill in singing and choir direction that refers to how singers control their breathing to produce and maintain quality sound. It's like the foundation of a house - without proper breath support, other singing techniques can't work effectively. When choir directors mention this in their resumes, they're indicating they can teach singers how to use their breathing muscles correctly to create better sound, sing longer phrases, and maintain pitch accuracy. This is similar to how athletes need to control their breathing for better performance, but specifically applied to singing.
Examples in Resumes
Trained 50-member choir in proper Breath Support techniques, resulting in improved ensemble sound
Developed workshop series focusing on Breath Support and vocal technique for beginning singers
Created innovative exercises to teach Breath Support to youth choir members aged 12-18
Typical job title: "Choir Directors"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Choir Directors
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you address breath support issues in an advanced choir preparing for a major performance?
Expected Answer: A senior choir director should discuss assessing individual singers, implementing targeted exercises, and adapting techniques for different vocal parts while maintaining rehearsal efficiency. They should also mention how to address this without disrupting overall performance preparation.
Q: Describe your approach to teaching breath support across different age groups and skill levels.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of age-appropriate teaching methods, ability to modify exercises for different skill levels, and experience with both individual and group instruction techniques.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What exercises do you use to improve breath support in a choir?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe specific warm-up exercises, explain how they help singers, and demonstrate knowledge of group teaching techniques for breathing.
Q: How do you identify and correct common breath support problems?
Expected Answer: Should explain common breathing issues, how to spot them through listening and observation, and provide solutions that work in a group setting.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is breath support and why is it important for singers?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic concepts of breathing for singing, its importance for sound quality and pitch control, and demonstrate basic understanding of teaching these concepts.
Q: How do you introduce breath support concepts to beginners?
Expected Answer: Should describe simple exercises and explanations suitable for new singers, showing understanding of fundamental breathing techniques.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of breathing techniques
- Ability to demonstrate proper breathing exercises
- Knowledge of fundamental vocal warm-ups
- Simple group teaching methods
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced breathing exercise instruction
- Problem diagnosis and correction
- Adaptation of techniques for different voices
- Effective group teaching strategies
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex breathing technique instruction
- Advanced diagnostic abilities
- Program development for various skill levels
- Mentor and train other vocal instructors
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to demonstrate proper breathing technique
- Lack of knowledge about vocal health and safety
- No experience teaching breathing exercises to groups
- Poor understanding of age-appropriate teaching methods
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
From Passive to Active: Nurturing Candidates Over the Long Haul
Addressing Mental Health in the Workplace: A Guide for Forward-Thinking Leaders
Speak Up! How Voice Search Is Changing Job Listings and What HR Needs to Do About It
