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.