P1 - B2

Breathing and air flow

  • Breathe in freely through the mouth whilst maintaining a relaxed posture (inhalation) and produce a controlled column of air (exhalation)

Devise breathing games for learners to explore breath control. For example:

  • blow a screwed-up piece of paper or a feather across a table, slowly and quickly, and discuss the effect
  • keep a piece of paper against a wall by blowing
  • use the sequence: breathe out – breathe in – blow and produce sound
  • devise long-note competitions, perhaps over a simple accompaniment

These exercises may be best suited to teacher demonstration so that learners can practise at home.

Ask learners to:

  • place their hands just below their ribcages to feel movement when breathing
  • breathe in slowly, counting a pulse, hold and breathe out
  • breathe out for the length of a phrase being played by the teacher

Sometimes discussion/evaluation of breathing mechanics can be useful.

Consider imagery, e.g. an intake of breath before shouting.

Encourage learners to think of blowing through the instrument, not into it. Ask learners to think of blowing towards a distant point.

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