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- Long phrase on one breath (12 s)
Long phrase on one breath (12 s)
Eleven legato notes on one breath. Phrases in pop ballads are sometimes longer.
Long phrase on one breath climbs the major scale from the root to the major sixth and back: root, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, then down to a held root. Eleven legato notes at a slow tempo, about twelve seconds on a single breath. The intervals are simple; the challenge is connecting them into one unbroken line while the air lasts. “Ah” keeps the throat open and lets the notes flow into each other with no consonant in the way.
How to do it
- Listen to the piano play the whole phrase, then take a slow, low breath.
- Sing all eleven notes on one “ah”, connecting each to the next with no gaps.
- Watch the roll: the line should step smoothly block to block, with no dips between.
- Keep the volume even to the last root.
- Each repetition starts a semitone higher. Rest fully between them.
Coach's tip: Legato = notes connected without gaps, like one line drawn without lifting the pen.
What to watch out for
The last three notes are where this falls apart: the breath is low, third and second go flat, and the final root is short or breathy. Start softer so the end has air. A small break or “h” between notes shows as gaps between blocks; keep the air moving through every change. The sixth often lands sharp because singers push toward it; approach it calmly. If you can't finish, lower the tempo slider rather than sneaking a breath.
Who it's for
A level 3 exercise for singers who can hold Long note 10 s and want to turn that breath into a melody. Use it in the main block or as a cool-down. 5-note scale is the shorter cousin to sing first, at the same slow tempo. Listed in Path: Light pop (runs & falsetto) and Breath and long phrases.
Part of programs: Path: Light pop (runs & falsetto) · Breath and long phrases
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