Re: [Harp-L] Breath Control is worth learning and aids harp playing

[icemanle@xxxxxxx]

These are excellent.
 
The second exercise is how to discover what exists between breaths (inhale and exhale). The challenge is to release the panic feeling during the pauses. Eventually, inhale - pause - exhale - pause becomes quite natural and relaxed. This is the time to begin examining what exists within those pauses - very interesting...
 
The Iceman

-----Original Message-----
From: Dan <billybudd1313@xxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
   
  The two fundamental exercises that begin every lesson are "long counts" and 
another who's name varies from person to person.  For the long counts, you expel 
all of your air, and the counting begins.  Your chest does not move, and your 
lower abdomen expands (it's crazy how much) while the teacher counts.  You try 
to draw a thin stream of air down, always down.  Counting pace is about1.5 sec. 
per number.  So you inhale until you hit "your number" (I'm on 31 right now).
   
  Once you hit the number, you begin the exhale.  The goal is to reach 3 counts 
higher than the inhale.  So, I move on when I breathe OUT for 35.  Then my 
number will be 32.
   
  For the second exercise, you must expel all of your air first, then you 
breathe in for a ten count.  You then hold for a ten count, exhale for a ten 
count, then hold EMPTY for a ten count.  You must repeat this full cycle three 
times in a row if possible.