There should be an open and relaxed and open feeling in the throat. Make sure not to overfill your lungs with air. Take in only as much air is needed for the note or the phrase with a little bit extra left for reserve. If too much air is taken in it will burden the muscles and the result will be a breathy tone. The vocal chords need to remain open prior to the attack.
Resistance begins with suspension to prevent exhalation prior to the vocal attack during singing.
This occurs at the beginning of the song and every breath taken prior to a phrase within the piece of music after inhalation. Meaning the beginning of the tonal attack. There is an expansive resistance around the waistline during this time and are to be continued until the completion of the note of phrase. This occurs following the end of a phrase and at the beginning of another. It is very important for the beginning for students to practice and take the time to recover for the next phrase.