Introduction:

Circular breathing is a technique used by musicians who play wind instruments to maintain a continuous sound without interruption for an extended period. This is achieved by inhaling through the nose while simultaneously expelling air from the cheeks to continue playing the instrument. Learning circular breathing takes time, practice, and patience, but ultimately enhances your musical performance. Here are 12 steps to help you master this skill.

Step 1: Relax

Start by ensuring you’re in a comfortable position and your body, especially your face, neck, and shoulders, are relaxed. Tension can impede proper circular breathing techniques.

Step 2: Establish regular breathing

Begin by focusing on your normal inhalation and exhalation process. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth.

Step 3: Fill your cheeks

Take a deep breath in and slowly let it out while filling up your cheeks with air. Your cheeks should slightly puff out as they fill with air.

Step 4: Close the back of your throat

With your cheeks full of air, close off the back of your throat to prevent any new air from entering or escaping.

Step 5: Practice squeezing air from your cheeks

After you’ve closed off the back of your throat, practice using the muscles in your cheeks to push the air out of your mouth and maintain a steady stream of airflow.

Step 6: Inhale through your nose

While keeping a steady stream of airflow from your cheeks, practice taking small breaths in through your nose without affecting the airflow from your mouth.

Step 7: Coordinate cheek and nose action

Work on simultaneously squeezing out air from your cheeks while inhaling through your nose. Practice maintaining a consistent flow of air as you exhale via cheek compression while inhaling through the nose at the same time.

Step 8: Begin incorporating an instrument

Once you’re comfortable with coordinating your cheeks and nose, try doing circular breathing exercises using a wind instrument like a straw, flute, or saxophone. This will help establish muscle memory for the technique.

Step 9: Start with short notes

As you begin learning circular breathing on your instrument, start with short notes before extending to longer ones.

Step 10: Practice transitioning during playing

Slowly introduce transitions between regular breathing and circular breathing while playing your instrument. This may take some time, but eventually, you’ll be able to use the technique fluidly during performances.

Step 11: Build lung capacity

To improve overall stamina and breathe more efficiently for circular breathing, engage in cardio exercises such as running or swimming and practice deep-breathing exercises.

Step 12: Be patient and persistent

Circular breathing is a skill that takes time to develop. Be patient with yourself and practice regularly to achieve mastery over this complex technique.

Conclusion:

Circular breathing is an invaluable skill for musicians who play wind instruments, as it allows them to create a continuous sound without needing to pause for breath. By following these 12 steps and practicing diligently, you can develop this remarkable ability, enhancing your performances and musical prowess.