Breathe Better, Play Better: Clarinet Breathing Workshop Online
- Izumi Fujiyama
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Welcome back to the Fujiyama Clarinet Studio Blog. We are located in Yanai, Yamaguchi, Japan, providing bilingual lessons both at studio and online.
On January 15th, I held the first online breathing workshop via Zoom.
Participants
Students who had started the breathing training challenge joined the session. Some participants were only two weeks into their training, creating an enthusiastic atmosphere from the start.
Being held online, participants from distant locations could easily join, making it a fulfilling session.
Purpose of Breathing Training
Do you experience these challenges?
Shallow breathing that leads to quick breathlessness
Inability to sustain long phrases
Unstable breath control
Easy fatigue during performance
Understanding breathing is essential for clarinet playing (and other instruments). By properly adjusting and training your body, these issues improve, and your posture and physical condition naturally strengthen.
Breathing in performance isn't simply about moving air in and out. By properly using deep muscles like the diaphragm and psoas, you can achieve stable airflow and control.
Workshop Content
Overview of the Program
First, I shared the overall structure and purpose of the breathing training. I introduced training focused on the relationship between breathing and the diaphragm, and the psoas muscle.
I presented the complete picture of the three-week program, which takes a systematic approach from the basics of breathing mechanics to application in performance.
Explanation of Individual Training Programs
I discussed key points and approaches for the training programs each participant is working on. The programs incorporate psoas muscle release and diaphragm-conscious drawing-in exercises.
It's important to progress training in stages. First, increase muscle flexibility, then acquire correct movements, and finally integrate them into performance.
Q&A Session
I received questions from participants about their challenges and struggles, providing specific advice.
Many practical questions were raised, such as "I tend to use too much force during training" and "How long does it take to feel results?" I shared adjustment tips and continuity strategies for each concern.
After the Workshop
The participants' serious commitment and positive attitude provided great inspiration as an instructor. Breathing training requires steady accumulation, but it surely enhances performance quality.
I plan to hold these sessions regularly, supporting everyone while sharing progress.
Next Session
Date: January 29th
Registration is open at the link below.
I look forward to participation from those working on breathing training and those interested. First-timers are welcome to join. Register and receive your free breathing training PDF.
The next session will dedicate more time to practical exercises. See you then.
Register the next Online Workshop
Contact for the Trial lessons