Breath for the flute player

To be honest I could probably write a whole book JUST on breathing for the flute.

Why is the breath such an important part of playing the Flute ?

Breath is like the foundation for a house ….if your foundation is weak then the house will not be strong.

If your breath is weak then your Flute playing will be weak.

Everything depends on proper breath support. Pitch, Dynamics, control, it is all directed by knowing how to support the breath.

If you do not have good breath support then it is going VERY challenging for you to play.

Here are some breath exercises to help you with breath control. Some of these exersises were stolen from my voice classes and acting classes. But really found them useful in playing the Flute as well.

Exercise 1 - Hissing

1. Breathe in to the count of 4, breathe out while hissing....4 counts

2. Then, breathe in for 6, and hiss out for 10

3. in for 6, out for 12

4. in for 2, out for 12

5. in for 4, out for 16

6. in for 2, out for 16

7. in for 4, out for 20

8. in for 1, out for 20

The idea is to monitor your breathing, and ensure that you can last through long phrases.

Make sure the hiss is consistent; aim for a smooth even sound.

Exercise 2 - Snatched Breaths

1. Breathing in gradually, think of your lungs filling up in fractions, when you count.

2. Focus on the diaphragm, do not to hold tension in the throat, relaxed open throat.

3. On the count of '1' - breathe in (¼ full)

4. '2' - (½ full)

5. '3' - (¾ full)

6. '4' - (full)

7. Breathe out, gradually for 8 counts.

8. Repeat, on the count of '1' - breathe in (½ full) '2' - (full)

9. Breathe out gradually for 8 counts.

Happy practicing . #yegflutevoicecoach #yegflutecoach #flute