November 10, 2011 9:37:55 AM EST
Circular Breathing Technique
The circular breathing technique is the process of continuing to play whilst breathing in. Not quite as impossible as it sounds.
Following these instrucions will give you a guidline on how to do it, however it is one of those techniques where you will suddenly have a 'Eureka' moment and get it!
If you fail to acheive it following this guide have a look around the web for places that teach Didjeridoo. Circular breathing is something that is common to playing didjeridoo as well.
Lets learn how to breathe circular. Put the saxophone down and forget about it for a while.
Circular Breathing Cheek Action
Take some air into your lungs and fill your cheeks with some of it. Now you want to force that air out of your mouth through your lips using nothing more than your cheek and jaw muscles.
You may find some strange facial contortions coming your way whilst doing this. You want your face to go from that puffed out cheek look to a kind of pouting look. Although the latter pouting look is slightly over exagerated it will give you an idea of the facial muscles you need to use.
Breathe Circular Dry Run
Sitting comfortably, keeping your lips tightly closed, puff out your cheeks and exhale the remaining air in your lungs out through your nose.
Now place your fingers on your cheeks. Here's the difficult bit. You need to close off the throat. Try doing this with the muscles in the back of your throat combined with your tongue. Now, at the same time, breathe in through your nose and force the air out of your cheeks with fingers. You want to acheive a slow steady stream of air out of your lips whilst inhaling. Done it? Good. That was an assisted circular breath!
That should give you an idea of what's required. If you are ready we can move on to the real deal.
Circular Breathing Technique
Ok. Sitting comfortably again, breathe in, puff out the cheeks and breathe out through your nose remembering to keep hold of the air you have in your cheeks.
Now on the in breath you want to force the air out of your cheeks using your cheek muscles and end up assuming the pouting position. Give us a kiss!
You should have absolutely no concerns if you do not acheive this right away. As I said, it is one of those Eureka moments.
Warning. If you start to feel youself going dizzy. Stop! It's generally a sign that you are about to keel over! Take a break and then try again.'
Source: /www.saxophone-players.com
