Guide to the Breathing Gym - Book Only

Warm-ups for wind instrument players usually consist of exercises to prepare the fingers and lips. Warm-ups for singers often develop range and diction. However the source of the sound when playing a wind instrument or singing is often overlooked: breathing.

Breathing correctly when singing or playing a wind instrument uses a great deal more of our lung capacity than we normally use in everyday life. This extreme use of our airflow is a skill that must be practiced. A good sound requires good breathing, and the exercises in The Breathing Gym are designed to give musicians control and efficiency of breath.

These exercises improve musicians' tone, stamina, and all-around performance. These exercises can be used as part of a warm-up routine, as a mid-rehearsal change of pace, or to address specific issues such as dynamics, articulation and phrasing in a certain piece of music. The exercises can also help produce a calm, focused atmosphere before a performance or competition.