inhalation

INHALATION - THE NOSE

Often, we’re told not to breathe through our noses. However, it is a technique that is often used by professional singers. When you have plenty of time to prepare for a phrase, try breathing quietly and slowly through your nose, being mindful of expanding of your entire thoracic region. The result is arelaxed and stretched pharyngeal space that produces a dark, warm sound. Additionally, if you need a quick breath, breathing through the nose is recommended. To do this efficiently, use your tongue to stop the note before the breath, then take a quick breath through your nose. Your embouchure and ribs should remain unaffected, allowing consistency in tone production when you begin playing again.

INHALATION - THE MOUTH

While it’s the most accepted and common form of inhaling, mouth breathing can be tricky. Unlike nose breaths, which open the pharynx nicely but can be shallow, the mouth breath is felt quite deeply in the body, but can constrict the throat – especially when taken through the small opening created by the flute embouchure. First, create the feeling of a stifled yawn, then inhale through the embouchure opening quietly. This will ensure that your pharynx remains open and will create optimal pharyngeal space when you exhale to produce a tone.