Posted by Mary Ann on February 13, 2002 at 09:53:12:
In Reply to: Small lung capacity posted by Steve Dedman on February 13, 2002 at 02:05:25:
I've found that the most advantageous thing I can do is concentrate on my inhalations, to make sure my throat is open and that I really do get a full lungful of air. Sometimes I still have trouble....last night we were rehearsing Hanson Symph #3 (I play horn) and I actually started to see stars from lack of air, because I couldn't find enough time to completely fill my lungs. (But I hit a KILLER high G#!!)
Other than that, concentrating on air efficiency instead of lung capacity, should help. It's at least partly a matter of time. Since I started brass as a middle-aged adult, I can remember quite well the difference in my air use from when I started to what it is now, and it's a big difference. Can you find an advanced player with about the same lung capacity, who can explain to this student how s/he does it?