“TOPPING OFF THE LUNGS” by Wayne Naus

A breathing technique for all brass and woodwind players.

I would like to share a breathing technique with you that I have been practicing and that will help you increase your range, power, support, endurance and sound. The technique, which I refer to as Topping Off The Lungs, is synonymous with topping off the gas in your car’s gas tank. I adapted and then modified the technique for brass and woodwind players from a technique used by deep-water divers holding their breath for long periods of time. Although I am a trumpet player and familiar with the Yoga breathing techniques as described in the Science of Breath * I have not heard of anyone (not even Maynard) describe this particular technique until now. The technique is not about holding your breath but rather using additional air to create more diaphragmatic support while playing. Here is the technique:

1) Place the mouthpiece on your lips and then take your normal breath for playing.

2) Before playing, take six quick, short sniffs of air through your nose. You should feel the area just below your rib cage (not chest) expand with each sniff of air.

3) After the last sniff of air, allow the newly expanded stomach area just below the rib cage to remain extended while you play. Feel the extra support here and use it to, as they say, “sit on the air”. This feeling of support should feel good and give you added strength, range, power, endurance and sound.

I hope you find this technique helpful. I used it while recording my recent CD titled “Touch The Spirit”, a collection of Spiritual and Patriotic songs for trumpet and symphony orchestra. The recording and accompanying videos can be seen and heard on my site www.waynenaus.com or youtube>wayne naus. The CD, which includes play-a-long tracks, can be purchased with printed music for Bb,C,Eb and bass cleff instruments through CDBaby>waynenaus. Warning: Trumpet range ascends to concert Bb 6.
Copyright 2010 NausomeMusicPub.All rights reserved.

*Science of Breath 1903, Yogi Ramacharaka,W&J Mackay & Co. Ltd, England(Expired)