Re: Breathing exercises


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TubeNet BBS ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by Paul Conrad on March 07, 2000 at 08:59:59:

In Reply to: Breathing exercises posted by Ross C on March 07, 2000 at 04:11:56:

Ross,
There are many good exercises, use of a breathing bag, breathing "machines" that measure the quantity and flow pressure of the air, yoga exercises, etc. All of these should be used with the supervision of a qualified teacher. Simple exercises can be done that will increase the "control" of the air flow (which often will help increase knowledege of one's own capabilities) and can be started without the aid of a teacher, giving a younger player a good idea of what will be required later on. A small sheet of paper about the size of an index card with a circle drawn in the center can be placed against a wall at the approx. height/angle of where you would blow into the tuba (standing close to the wall so that the back/shoulders are relaxed and straight), form a small opening with the embouchure (similar to what is used when playing) and blow directly into the small cirle (about the size of a nickel) keeping the paper against the wall with pressure of the air. Start very close to the wall and as control increases move slightly farther away. Very important that the student exhales with a concious effort of directing the air stream (the reason for the target circle). Don't try to keep the paper up for too long a time at first, 2 to 3 counts at mm. 65/75 would be a good starting point, this also can solidify the concept of utilizing the entire air supply evenly and not blasting at the beginning with nothing left for the end of the note and/or phrase. As the idea of really filling up and then exhaling in a controlled relaxed manner becomes more comfortable; you can decrease the mm. marking and/or increase the number of counts the paper stays in place and/or increase the size of the paper as you move away from the wall. This should NEVER be done for extended periods of time (2-3 minutes max.), only at the beginning of a practice session or possibly at the end to help relax everything, similar to the deep natural breathing that occurs after any good physical work-out. He might try different sizes of target areas to help in the focus difference between tuba and trombone as he would think about different size air columns required for the different instuments. Articulations (again with a metronome)while maintaining the paper in place is also a good way to insure that the tongue movements are not blocking the main flow of air. I play professionally at an altitude of about 8,000 ft. and maintaining consistent control of the air stream is no picnic. Hope this helps.


Follow Ups: