If you ask most beginner singers what they think matters most in breath support, they will usually say the same thing: more air. But while air is important, it is not the full story. In fact, focusing too much on taking in more breath can actually hold singers back.

What matters more than air is control. That means learning how to manage breath, not just how to fill up the lungs. And that distinction is where many singers begin to shift from tension to freedom.

Vocal coach Cheryl Porter has spent years teaching students that breath quantity is not the goal. Breath quality, and how you use it, makes the difference.

The Misconception About Big Breaths

It is natural to assume that singing better starts with breathing bigger. But when singers try to inhale deeply without proper support or structure, they often end up tightening their shoulders, raising their chest, or pushing too much air through the vocal folds. This causes tension, loss of tone, and poor phrasing.

Instead of trying to take in more air, singers need to build control over the air they already have. That is where real breath support begins.

Control Means Connection

Cheryl Porter’s approach to singing from the diaphragm is built on one idea: control comes from awareness. Her exercises help singers coordinate the ribs, core, and airflow so that the breath supports the voice without forcing it.

This method does not rely on complicated theory. It focuses on physical cues that help singers stay grounded, relaxed, and focused while performing. As control improves, so does confidence.

What Real Support Feels Like

Once singers learn proper breath control, they stop feeling out of breath after long phrases. High notes become easier to manage. Tone becomes more stable. Singing feels less like a struggle and more like a flow.

Importantly, singers also stop overthinking their breath. Instead of micromanaging every inhale, they start to trust their body. That trust frees them to focus on emotion, tone, and style.

Conclusion

Air is the fuel for singing, but control is the engine. Without it, even the biggest breath cannot carry a phrase. For singers who want lasting progress, the path forward is not about breathing more. It is about learning how to use what you already have with clarity and purpose.

Cheryl Porter’s method helps singers do exactly that — by turning breath control into a habit, not a mystery.