The Breathing Process

The ‘strengthening of support', is a subject that has been tackled by me in the first articles in this magazine. This means that that one involves the abdomen, in deep breathing, as if the air is filling up the lower lungs. What one is actually doing is using the abdomen to cause the lowering of the diaphragm in order to extent the capacity of the lungs. This strengthening of the diaphragmatic support is crucial in the study of the piccolo flute. A good diaphragmatic support develops a good emission, control and intonation. The exhalation phase is the most important part in the breathing process.

The diaphragm is the main muscle used in the breathing therefore this must be completely free from tension, in order to obtain the optimum support. Unfortunately, this is difficult since this muscle is the direct link between our breathing and the way we feel physically and emotionally. These emotions, which are trapped in there, may build up tensions, which in turn can block the correct respiratory process, i.e. the lowering and rising of the diaphragm and can also limit the quantity of air, which we utilize.

During my teaching experience, I find that most students are unaware or have never understood the correct use of breathing during their playing. To the question “what is the most important thing in teaching?” asked by Syrinx magazine, Philip Bernold replied that “Everything starts from the breathing because in order to obtain the maximum relaxation of the lips and also finger regularity, one must have good abdominal support. In other words correct breath control (Syrinx no.51 January- March)”.

The piccolo flute is more sensitive and less tolerant than the flute. Hence it needs much more breath - control, in order to be flexible. Underneath one can find some breathing exercises, which I utilize in my courses and master classes, and which are suitable for everyone. One must remember that only patience and daily exercises can bring improvements to one's own aims and objectives.

Exercise 1:

•  Lie down, with your face against the floor and put your head on a side, which is the most comfortable to you;

•  Put your left hand on your stomach, with the right hand on it;

•  Relax till you feel your body in contact with the floor;

•  At this point, leave your mouth open, with your facial muscles relaxed and an open larynx;

•  Inhale slowly from the nose and exhale from the mouth. Make sure not to blow. Concentrate on the exhalation process.

•  After 5 minutes fill your lungs with air and hold for 4 – 5 seconds. Then expel it completely and remain empty for another 4 to 5 seconds.

•  Do this exercise for atleast 10 minutes daily.

Exercise 2:

Stand up straight with you feet firm on the ground. Join your hands and lock the fingers together behind your back and raise them behind your head (like in the photo);

•  (a) Place the tip of your tongue against your bottom front teeth, and exhale through the mouth to deflate the lower abdominal wall;

•  (b) Place the tip of your tongue against your top front teeth. Inhale through the nose creating a yawning sensation at the back of your nose and throat. At the same time, raise your arms, stretching them till they reach your ears. This will in turn expand the lower abdominal wall and the lower back.

•  (c) Hold the breath in this position (like in the photo) and place the tip of the tongue as in (a), exhale from the mouth, while lowering your arms as in the original position, behind your head, with a relaxed abdomen.

•  Repeat point (b) and (c) for 6 times.

Relax a little bit before starting to play again.