Importance of breath control??

[danyal]

Bernhard, this is mainly a question for you, because from what I've read, you know a lot about these sort of topics...

I've been wondering about the importance of breathing techniques and breath control while playing, and performing. Surely when my breathing is controlled, then I would be more aware of my entire being, body and the actual amount of control I have over it? Could a performance could be better executed and controlled? Because, in my experience, if I get extremely nervous on stage, I tend to subconsciously forget that I am in complete control over what I am doing, and that ultimately leads to me messing up. Just wondering if breathing correctly could help this, and ultimately, my general all round playing?

A friend of mine (excellent pianist) does excercise (eg swimming) to learn to discipline and control his breathing, and I'm considering doing the same, I just need to know if I would possibly be wasting my time, or if it is a wise move.

I did search for this in the topics, but I didnt find anything that targeted this topic specifically.

[bernhard]

It is not a waste of time to learn breath control at all. However I would not recommend swimming for that purpose.

Breathing is completely ignored in our society. We take it for granted and we do it mostly at an unconscious level.

However breath control has been explored in depth and its study systematised in several cultures, but most spring from a single source: India and yoga.

In yoga, the exploration of breath and its eventual control (called pranayama) is a complex discipline and you need a knowledgeable teacher to guide you. If you want to have an idea of what is involved I suggest you get a copy of:

B. K. S. Yiengar – Light on Pranayama

(and since you are at it, get also a copy of “Light on Yoga”)

Both books are considered “Bibles” of the subject, and Yiengar is arguably one of the most knowledgeable teachers alive (he may not be alive anymore though ).

Another author you may want to investigate is Desikachar (goggle him).

Both China and Japan have their own brands of breath control – mostly applied to either meditation (both Zen and Taoist) and martial arts – particularly the internal martial arts (Taichi, Hsing-I, Bagwa) put great emphasis in breathing.

I would suggest these as the best way to get introduced to breathing control.

At this point I should perhaps issue a warning: This is not the sort of thing you can dabble on. It requires (like piano) a lifelong commitment to practice and eventual integration in your lifestyle.

Western activities (swimming, running, etc.), well, they don’t have a clue.

And yes, this has a tremendous impact on piano playing.

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[danyal]

Thank you!

I will make a point of getting hold of those books, and... well... attending regular yoga. I thought it would have a massive affect on piano playing, and you've just confirmed my suspicions, so thanks..

Danyal

[bernhard]

You are welcome

[bernhard]

By the way, make sure your yoga instructor cover pranayama. Nowadays a lot of "fitness" people have become yoga teachers to milk a certain market, and they have no clue about true yoga. You may end up on a class doing a lot of stretching and nothing else. Do your research! (usually the good yoga instructors do not have what we would regard as "nice" bodies - just have a look at Yiengar's pictures and you will know what I mean).

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[classicarts]

I always find it helpful to do breath excercise right before a competiti ;Don.