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Re: Help with breathing?

Author: WhitePlainsDave
Date: 2017-06-12 17:56

"I think this is a problem with my stamina and breathing."

I concur. You may lack the aerobic fitness and facial muscle stamina. This is not meant to be derogatory. The best of us can "work up a sweat."

"In the next few weeks (2 or 3 weeks) what are some good daily exercises that will help me improve my breathing and stamina?"

Before I answer, I want to define the terms, so were on the same page.

In a very not necessarily scientific way, I am going to define stamina into two categories, aerobic and muscular. Scientifically, to say the two aren't anything but intertwined would be rubbish.

But separating the two I'm going to put aerobic stamina under your title of breathing, and when I say "stamina," refer to it as muscular, or specifically in this case, the ability to maintain a proper embouchure.

With the, "check with a doctor before beginning any exercise routine," liability waiver behind me, aerobic fitness (he says rather to the point) is a product of healthy aerobic activity: i.e. elevating the respiratory and cardiovascular systems by limited amounts, over limited time periods, vis a vis joint stress controlled physical activity. A plethora of valid data on how much, what, and for how long to do this (20 minutes not overdoing it initially is a good basic number) exists on topic specific websites concerning same that this poster will defer you to, no differently than I would expect said sites to waive discussion of topics like "proper reed position," for here.

I'll leave it at walk, swim, run, bike, stairs.

Perhaps the solution to embouchure (the "stamina") is no different in principle (i.e. use it or lose it.) I'll make the same assumptions about proper health and diet, but no differently than "to acquire a more muscular chest, do chest exercises," will I suggest exercising face muscles.

It's here though that the best methods to accomplish this, I suspect will draw different opinions.

First there's endurance playing. Aim at keeping a strong embouchure for longer periods of time, i.e. force yourself (under controlled circumstances)--no differently than endurance running. So that we understand each other, controlled circumstances is buzz speak for slow and steady improvements.

Then there's, for example, products (which IMHO generally tend to be poorly spent $) like $.99 face tighteners on ebay, of products like Gilad's Wind-o product.

(Clarification, I think the Wind-o does as described, I question whether less costly methods aren't equally as effective, even if you can use aspects of the Windo-0, while, for example, reading a novel that clarinet play won't afford you. I'm all for technological improvements acquired by the purchaser who fully grasps the idea of how "amazing" it is (isn't) that we all got by before "gold ligatures.")

Then there's some people will that will tell you to practice long tones--good advice.

There are a dozen others approaches; perhaps no less valid as mine to "stamina." I think the point is not to become bogged down with them or overthink things, and immediately discount "miracle advice."

You want a stronger embouchure: you can make weekly improvements, but it's a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time: time put in not simply in the long run, but by, in each practice session, increasing the length of said sessions while forcing yourself to maintain proper form in all regards, including of course embouchure.

Given your limited time frame, incentive to overdo is high. Avoid this.

"When playing should I try to breathe with my nose or my mouth?"

As a generally rule, I can acquire air faster when I breath through my mouth, which is why I opt for this method when playing clarinet.

This is not to say there aren't exceptions: a player trying desperately to not disturb the embouchure coming off a, say, pianissimo [A6]

, seeking to stop, and re-enter this note with the same quiet...or for circular breathing, when the nose must be used to acquire oxygen.

Post Edited (2017-06-12 18:50)

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