im learning to play the flute but i keep running out of air.......................?

Question

what can i do to improve how long I can blow a note for??

Answer 1

Take deep breaths from low in your stomach(let your diaphram drop). Don't let your shoulders raise up...it is a shallow breath.

Play lots of whole notes. Pick a note and hold it out as long as possible. Go on to another note. After a little while...maybe a week or two, you will see that you can play longer amounts of time. Then you will be able to play the entire line in your lesson book. Gradually you will move on and be able to play an entire page. Professionals still warm up and work on their endurance by playing whole notes (long tones).

Good Luck! Keep working and you'll be amazing!

Answer 2

There is a device cyclists use that helps develop lungs by allowing you to breath with some resistance. Cycling suppliers like Colorado Cyclist etc sell it. i have one as I cycle. But another thing is to mark phrasing on sheet music noting when to take breaths. I have the same issues, likely we all do, some has to do with not knowing when to take a breath, it requires planning. And always practice helps. Standing versus sitting, I always breathe better standing than sitting. Of course aerobic fitness always helps, yet i realize some folks just have genetic advantages and high Vo2 max. that in some cases has nothing to do with fitness just big lungs. got to make the most of what you have. Rich

Answer 3

Practice. Also, you can practice even when you don't have your flute - take in a deep breath & then exhale in a slow, controlled manner as if you were blowing a note. With time you will develop better breath control.

Answer 4

Well, when you play a woodwind or brass instrument, you obviously need to be able to breathe and hold notes. if you're having trouble holding notes, I suggest doing some vocal exercises. It seems silly, doesn't it? It works. You see, when you take in air, your diaphragm expands to let in as much air as possible. Certain vocal exercises help the diaphragm expand more, therefore getting more air in, and, in the long run, you'll be able to hold notes for long amounts of time. Thanks for listening!

- the Rabid Kyuubi.

Answer 5

Deep breathing exercises and breath with your stomach, not your chest. This will increase the volume of air available for flute playing. Also practice holding your breath for as long as you can and time how long you can hold your breath for. You should be able to hold your breath for over a minute.
I've added a link on breathing exercises for for wind instrumentalists

Answer 6

I've played the flute since 6th grace (in 10th now) and the best thing I did was I would randomly hold my breath for a little and that would help. Hope all goes well!

Answer 7

Hold your breath until you pass out.

When you wake up, do it again.

Keep repeating until it takes more than 5 minutes to pass out.

Then drink at least 20 ounces of milk in one chug.

Blow your nose in an old newspaper.

Stick one q-tip in each nostril and one in each ear.

Blow up 15 supersized party baloons.

Eat an entire 6 ounce block of sharp cheddar cheese.

Splash ice-cold water on your face.

Go see a movie (preferably an epic drama).

Take a nap.

Repeat breath-holding exercise from above.

Then try playing the flute again.

Answer 8

Well i am in band and i play the saxaphone but my friend plays the flute. she says to watch youre air level and if the song doent have a dynamic marking, play as soft as possible.

Answer 9

Practice holding your breath for as long as you can to expand your lungs I have the same problem on my Malodica.
When I swim under water a lot I realize I can stay under longer so try to expand your lungs by exercising your lungs.
Neal

Answer 10

One method you can try is circular breathing. I din't know the details of it, but you may want to look it up. If I recall correctly, this method can allow you to play any wind instrument continuously. Here's a link that explains it a little better:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circular_breathing