Breathing Exercises for Flutists
Flutists’ most significant asset and adversary is often the breath. It takes as much air to play the flute as it does a tuba, so we need lungs of steel to make it happen. Breath is also a key factor in anxiety control and stage fright management. I deal with high levels of nerves, so breathing exercises not only help me build my lung support and play my instrument, but they also help me deal with performance anxiety and nerves. Here are a few of my favorites.
First, What’s A Diaphragmatic Breath?
Diaphragmatic breaths are breaths that make their way alllll the way down into your deep belly. I like to joke with my students that you should really look like Santa Claus when completing these breaths properly.
So, breathing all the way down into your belly first, then allowing the middle of your abdomen to fill, all the way up until your chest just rises. This may feel odd at first and may even be uncomfortable, to begin with, but it gets easier the more you practice. Practicing these deep, diaphragmatic breaths before you begin your practice session can be extremely beneficial to your lung support and training your lungs to take in more air, more deeply.
90 Degree Angle Breathing
For building lung capacity, one of my favorite breath exercises is to stand with your feet about hip-width apart, bend forward at the waist, and breathe in. The idea is to fill your lungs to capacity (using the diaphragmatic breath as discussed above), and hold for 20 seconds before slowly exhaling. Optionally, you can raise your arms while you hold your breath, bringing them above your head. Over time, you will see improvements in your lung capacity.
Ujjayi Breath
Ujjayi, otherwise known as ocean, breath is a yoga breathing technique that I love. The idea is that you bring your tongue up to meet the back of your palette to create some friction in the back of your mouth. The idea is then to breathe from your nose, creating a nasal-based “ocean” sound. It’s extremely calming. Breathe in and out slowly and deeply until you feel the sense of calm you’re looking for.
Breathe Builder
There are tools out there that can help with breath support such as the Breath Builder. This is a great tool to increase lung capacity and inhale/exhale speed. I’ve used this one off and on for years and it has done wonders for me in my post-COVID diminished lung capacity.
Final Thoughts
Diaphragmatic breaths should start your practice and continue throughout your playing.
90 Degree Angle breathing can help increase lung capacity.
Ujjayi Breath is a great way to calm yourself before a gig.
Breath Builder is a great tool to increase your lung capacity.
