Circular breathing

Circular breathing is a technique used by players of some wind instruments to produce a continuous tone without interruption. This is accomplished by breathing in through the nose while simultaneously pushing air out through the mouth using air stored in the cheeks.

History

The technique was developed independently by several cultures, and is used for many traditional wind instruments. In the Middle East, it is used to play the duduk, a double reed woodwind instrument. In Australia, it is used to play the didgeridoo, a long wooden trumpet-like instrument. The technique is also used in playing the bagpipes.

Technique

The technique involves filling the mouth with air and using the muscles of the cheeks to force this air out of the mouth and into the instrument, while simultaneously inhaling through the nose. The air in the lungs is thus replenished while the air in the mouth is used to keep the sound going. This allows the player to produce a continuous tone without breaks for breathing.

Use in music

Circular breathing is used in many different musical genres. In classical music, it is used by players of the oboe and bassoon, among other instruments. In jazz, it is used by saxophonists such as Sonny Rollins and Rahsaan Roland Kirk. In world music, it is used by didgeridoo players such as William Barton.

See also

• Breathing
• Wind instrument
• Didgeridoo
• Duduk
• Bagpipes