Anyone who performs, speaks, sings, or makes music needs the breath. To express yourself. To stay calm, especially in the moments that matter most. To find power and energy when things get tense. To keep the ease in your sound, and to return to yourself when tension takes hold.

We work with body and breath exercises from Aikido and yoga – and translate them straight away with your instrument or your voice in hand. You learn to release tension so your breath flows more freely, and you learn to activate your body’s centre of power through your breath, so you can play or sing with minimal tension. You develop a flexible breath support for a richer sound, with more control and more awareness. You build endurance for long phrases, and you become aware of your own breathing pattern – and how you return to a calm, natural rhythm.

Who this is for

This course is especially valuable for musicians who struggle with tension, shortness of breath, or physical pain while playing. It’s also for you if you’re missing power or ease in your sound – wind and brass players, singers, but also pianists, string players, and other instrumentalists. Breath and relaxation touch every musician. Music teachers who want to help their students with stage fright, excess tension, or breath-related challenges are warmly welcome too.

About Stefanie

Stefanie is a professional bassoonist and recorder player, and has trained in Aikido for more than thirty years. She guides musicians to arrive more fully in their bodies, release excess tension, and play with more freedom.

Practical details

Free trial lesson: 12 September, 16.00

Series of 10 lessons on Monday evenings, 19.30 – 20.30