Have you ever wondered how some singers and wind instrumentalists can produce a continuous sound without pausing for breath? The answer is circular breathing, a technique that involves switching between using air from the lungs and the cheeks, and inhaling through the nose while expelling air from the mouth.
Circular breathing is not a common or necessary skill for most musicians, but some use it as a gimmick or a challenge. For example, Kenny G, the famous saxophonist, holds the Guinness World Record for the longest sustained note on a saxophone, lasting 45 minutes and 47 seconds. He achieved this feat by using circular breathing.
But circular breathing is not only a musical technique, but also a form of breathwork that can have positive effects on your physical and mental well-being. By practicing circular breathing, you can increase your oxygen intake, lower your blood pressure, reduce stress, and enhance your creativity.
So how can you learn circular breathing? It is not easy, but it is possible. It requires practice and coordination. Here are some steps to get you started:
First, fill your cheeks with air and squeeze them with your mouth closed. You should feel the air pressure in your mouth. This is the basic motion of circular breathing.
Next, practice inhaling through your nose while keeping your cheeks full of air. Do not let any air escape from your mouth. You should feel the air flow in your nose and the air pressure in your mouth.
Then, practice expelling air from your mouth while inhaling through your nose. To do this, you need to open your mouth slightly and use your tongue to control the air flow. You should feel the air coming out of your mouth and going into your nose at the same time.
Finally, practice switching between using air from your lungs and your cheeks. To do this, you need to breathe normally with your mouth open until you need to take a breath. Then, fill your cheeks with air and use circular breathing until you have enough air in your lungs. Then, resume normal breathing.
As one musician said, “Circular breathing is one of those skills that seems impossible until you do it. And once you do it, you realize it’s not that hard after all. It just takes some patience and persistence.”
If you want to learn more about circular breathing, you can check out some online tutorials or books on the topic. You can also watch some videos of musicians who use circular breathing, such as Kenny G, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, or Tuvan throat singers.
Circular breathing is a technique that can help you play like a pro and improve your health and happiness. Why not give it a try?
Relevant articles:
– How to Learn Circular Breathing, Howcast, Aug 11, 2010
– Learn how to Circular Breathe in 10 minutes. Really., Earspasm Music, Aug 24, 2016
– How to do Breathwork (circular/holotropic breathing), Tian Tan, May 26, 2019