Air is what brings a wind instrument to life. Having poor breath support will be devastating to the success of your playing. The way you use and control your air constitutes the skill of the player. A professional musician breathes very differently than a beginning student. There are even different methods and techniques that are taught just to help with proper breathing. Breathing is also affected by posture, which is explained later in the chapter. These two aspects tie closely together.
When taking your breath, it must fill every part of your lung. In music there is not real such thing is “chest breathing”. The air should feel as if it is filling the inside of your stomach. The breath should be full and deep every time you play, even if it’s a short, soft passage.
If you are a teacher are listed different metaphors to explain how to breathe to a student. Or if you are a student starting out use this to aid your breathing.
- Breathe through the bottom of the chair.
- Fill up a drinking glass (breathing from the bottom up).
- Breathe from the bottom of your stomach.
- Make sure your stomach goes out when you breathe, not in.
