Breathing and air flow
- Breathe in freely and produce a controlled column of air whilst maintaining a relaxed posture:
- learning how to control the speed of the air column produced and its effect on pitch and dynamics
Engage learners in breathing exercises, such as breathing in over 2 beats and then out over 8. Increase the number of beats as learners progress.
Ask learners to sing sustained melodic phrases using call-and-response or echo games, vocal exercises etc.
Encourage learners to breathe freely whilst maintaining an appropriate posture.
Ask learners to play notes with a sustained, consistent sound, using a range of dynamics.
Bring learners’ attention to the importance of good breath control in all aspects of playing.
To facilitate tonguing within a sustained column of air, ask learners to sing a phrase, then play it.
Demonstrate holding a piece of paper against a wall using just breath control. Encourage learners to try this activity, timing themselves.
This exercise may be best suited to teacher demonstration so that learners can practise at home.
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