10 steps for learning circular breathing
Learning circular breathing takes time. Be patient and enjoy the journey to using circular breathing. 10 small exercises have been added here below. Take your time with each exercise. It is best to practice each step for a few days. There are two main things that often go wrong and therefore this advice: take very short amounts of air and use circular breathing if you don’t really need it. Don’t wait until you’re out of breath.
Notation
Composers mostely don’t write in the scores that you should use circular breathing. It is up to the flute player whether or not to use circular breathing.
Piccolo - alto flute - bass flute
This technique can be used on all flutes.
Composer information
Not all flute players, even professional players, are capable of circular breathing.
Flute players
Studying circular breathing on the flute is useful for:
– Embouchure control
– Co-ordination tongue and abdomen
– Good, steady breath control
– Total control
Sound example
Here you can listen to a short example of circular breathing. I’m playing Xi by Stockhausen.
Another example. This piece ‘The Great Train Race’ by Ian Clarke contains a lot of extended techniques including circular breathing (2:30 – 3:24).
