How to use your diaphragm?

How to use diaphragm?

• ok, so i have a voice teacher and stuff and i sing at lots of places but im still kindof confused about how to use my diaphragm. Are you just basically flexing your abs? because on one of my vocal warm ups you go up the scale singing "Po Po Po Po Po Po Po Po Po" and my teacher says your diaphragm should be bouncing fast and mine isnt. and sometimes i feel like im straining my voice. oh, and i want to know also how to stretch your voice so you can hit higher notes. Thanks You.

• Answer:

  Try this video: http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=7ExlDNioX_... I'm pretty sure this is the one it's in. Basically you breathe in down at your stomach instead of by your ribs. Put a hand on your stomach and the other on your back to see if you're doing it right. You should feel your stomach expanding as well as a bit in your back. You should be sort of pushing out with your abdomen. Also, stand up straight. There's not as much to it as you think. Mine doesn't really 'bounce'? I dont really get that po po po thing. And to hit higher notes, you just have to slowly increase your range. The more you sing notes that are at the edge of your range the more it should increase. But don't strain your voice.