When you play a wind instrument, sound is produced as you cause a part of the instrument to vibrate. Whether it be the reed, the mouthpiece or the head of a drum, something vibrates to create sounds.

 

On wind instruments, this vibration is both initiated and supported by the movement of air.  All good tone centers on the right amount of air being initiated and sustained.  Wind players have to mindful of of the amount and quality of air that they inhale as well as how they exhale through their instrument.

 

There are several exercises that can help develop mindful breathing, so that a proper embouchure and therefore tone can be formed and sustained.

 

Many wind musicians follow a step by step breathing regimen called “The Breathing Gym” by Patrick Sheridan and Sam Pilafian. This is one of the best ways develop excellence in the concept of air support and can be used to develop strength and versatility in breathing.

 

The exercise that we are going to start with is one that was developed as a part of “The Breathing Gym” and can be used as a daily exercise to help warm up the body and mind. 

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Before we start the main exercise, however, it is good to feel how much air you can actually draw into your body.  While sitting or standing with good posture, try the following exercise to work on drawing air into the body.

1. Place your index finger with the finger nail touching the back of your top teeth.

2. Quickly draw in as much air towards the finger as you can.

   • You should feel no tension in the chest or shoulders.

3. Try this exercise several times to feel your ribcage expand and your body move to accept the air.

 

 

After doing this exercise, we will now learn an exercise from “The Breathing Gym” called “Flow”. Video example to the right.

 

1. Place your hand like a blade in front of your mouth.

2. Open your mouth with an “oh” syllable, with your tongue down.

   • Imagine you are saying the word “bongo”, with a heavy emphasis on the “o” syllable.

3. Draw air in against the blade of the hand for 8 counts.

   • When you draw the air in, try to make the sound go from low to high. It will sound somewhat like a zipper.

4. Without stopping the air flow, only the direction, blow the air for 8 counts into the center of your hand, which you have moved from your mouth so that your palm is facing you.

5. Continue this exercise with the following pattern:

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