Let's Explore Breathing!

Learn 3 Essential Principles for Optimal Respiration in Music-Making

(Based on the Alexander Technique)

When: This class was taught live via Zoom on September 27th, 2023 

For: Any musician interested in improving their breathing

Instructor: Peter Jacobson

Class Fee: $20

Dear Fellow Musician,

MBMS Founder Peter Jacobson here.

Since I started the Mind Body Music School almost 10 years ago (formerly known as Total Vocal Freedom), there is probably no topic I've thought more about or written more about than breathing. 

When it comes to breathing in music-making, there's an overwhelming amount of information and opinions out there. This can create massive confusion and mistrust of ourselves, especially among musicians who depend of moving air well to produce their sound (i.e. vocalists and wind instrumentalists). 

In this 90-minute class, I cut through the noise and share 3 simple principles for optimal breathing that I use in my work as an Alexander Technique teacher and holistic performance coach. 

The 3 principles of optimal respiration are: 

• Principle #1: Communicate Musical Ideas
• Principle #2: Cooperate with Your Design
• Principle #3: Coordinate Your Whole Self

This class will be most interesting to vocalists and wind instrumentalists. However, the principles you'll learn can benefit any musician. After all, every musician needs to breathe well to do their best work!

Here are some of the topics explored in this class:

• Nasal breathing vs. oral breathing 
• Mechanical breathing vs. musical breathing
• An overview of the design of the respiratory system
• The key features of the upper and lower airways (and what separates them)
• The crucial role of the head, spine and torso in optimal breathing
• Why "gasping" is so widespread (and what to do about it)
• Breath support and management
• Some lessons I've learned from my own breathing journey
• How to avoid running out of breath 

The class format is a combination of presentation, group explorations, and individual coachings. 

If you're at all confused or curious about your breathing, I invite you to purchase this class now and learn how to apply these 3 essential principles in your music-making right away.

In Music,
Peter Jacobson
MBMS Founder & Director