5 breathing exercises every tuba player should practice
What's the story
Tuba playing demands technique, dedication, and most importantly, powerful breath support. Control of the diaphragm, regulating airflow and pressure, is the key to resonant sound. Including diaphragm exercises in your routine boosts breath control, endurance, and ultimately, your tuba performance. This article provides five effective exercises to strengthen your diaphragm for better playing.
Deep breathing
Deep breathing for better control
Deep breathing is key to strengthening your diaphragm. Start by sitting or standing comfortably with good posture. Breathe in slowly through your nose, allowing your belly to fully expand. Hold this breath for five seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth. Doing this exercise for five minutes each day can improve your lung capacity and help you gain control over your breath.
Balloon
The balloon exercise
Blowing up balloons utilizes the same muscles as playing the tuba, making it a great exercise for building breath support. Inhale deeply and blow up a balloon as much as you can in one go. Do this 10 times with short rests between each attempt. This exercise not only strengthens the diaphragm but also aids in regulating air pressure, which is crucial for sustaining long notes with ease.
Book balance
Book balance practice
Lie flat with your knees bent and a book resting on your abdomen to serve as a visual cue during diaphragm exercises. Inhale deeply, causing the book to rise, then exhale slowly, allowing it to lower. Strive for smooth, controlled movements, concentrating solely on utilizing your diaphragmatic muscles. This exercise aids in establishing breath control by providing a visual means of tracking the diaphragm's engagement.
SSS sound
The sss sound exercise
This exercise strengthens the muscles around the diaphragm by focusing on controlled exhalation. Inhale deeply and then exhale slowly and steadily through clenched teeth or lips, making an Sss sound, until you're completely out of breath. Try to increase the length of each sss sound over time, eventually reaching 30 seconds or more per exhalation.
Laughing yoga
Laughing yoga technique
Laughing is a great way to naturally exercise the diaphragm and lower stress levels These contribute to performance anxiety when playing tuba in front of people. Join laughing yoga classes where laughter is initiated through eye contact, playful activities, or exercises These are created for laughter therapy sessions of around 20 minutes a day. They can greatly improve diaphragmatic strength and mental health.