What Never Ceases to Amaze Me

What never ceases to amaze me is the power of breath to simultaneously relax, refresh and energize.

Problem is, a tired, pre-occupied, stressed out mind often forgets to do the very thing that will bring almost miraculous transformation.

Recently I have been doing a new kind of breathing exercise. This one is not done with the violin under your chin; but I assure you, doing it can have a very positive effect on your playing nonetheless.

Periodically during the day – 3 times is good – I pause for one minute. During the minute I breathe 3 times. You see, it’ll take no time at all.

First, however, try it in front of a mirror sans shirt to get the form right.

Inhale deeply. Watch that you keep your shoulders relaxed and down. Your tummy will extend outward as the air is drawn in. Hold it for 5 seconds and then expel the air with a purposeful contraction of the diaphragm.

Now, as your tummy tucks back in contract the girdle muscles within the pelvis, the ones down near the groin area. As you contract these muscles draw them up toward your chest. No need to bend at the waist, just contract the muscles in one smooth powerful move.

When you have expelled ALL the air in your lungs, hold yourself in a contracted state for another few seconds. Now quickly draw in another breath and hold.

I’m finding this an excellent ‘dynamic tension’ exercise for the strengthening the lower abdomen.

But what does it have to do with playing, you may ask.

Well, do it before taking the fiddle out and you will find your mind much more focused as you begin to play.

More importantly, the muscles of the abdomen and girdle area are the foundation on which your upper body rests. The stronger this base is, the more confident and poised you are likely to feel whilst playing.

And that’s a very good thing.

All the best,

Clayton Haslop

P.S. For the real skinny on how to use your breath to transform and inform your playing in a heartbeat, pick up your copy of ”Kreutzer for Violin Mastery” today.