11
SECTION 4: To the Users
Professionals…
•
Although the
WindMaster
was originally developed for younger
players (and you’ll notice that much of this manual is directed
towards students and teachers), it was soon realized that this
device could be useful for any player – including professionals.
Beyond acting as a visual trigger, it is also an
exerciser
, and all
players, no matter how proficient, need to exercise their lungs.
It can be used in conjunction with other breathing aids
(breathing tubes, breathing bags, spirometers, etc.). Hopefully,
it will be valuable to you in your private teaching, as well.
Students…
•
More than anybody, the
WindMaster
was created for you! For
many music students the breath is a mystery – although it
shouldn’t
be. Our bodies know how to breathe perfectly. To play
a wind instrument, we just need to breathe more deeply and
quickly, while staying relaxed.
•
The ultimate value of the
WindMaster
is as an
exerciser
–
something to be used on a daily basis. I’ve seen some students
pick up the
WindMaster
, take a breath, blow over a few pegs
and put it down. That’s like picking up a basketball and tossing
it at the hoop – once. It may or may not go in, but either way,
that’s not exactly a
workout,
nor is it doing a whole lot to really
improve one’s shooting skills. I recommend incorporating the
WindMaster
into your regular practice sessions. By alternating
the
WindMaster
with the instrument, you will more easily relate
the breath to the sound. And, after all, that is the whole point.
•
Playing right after using the
WindMaster
should feel and sound
different almost immediately. Try to
memorize
this feeling and
sound. (Clearly, this is not like memorizing facts or figures. This
type of memory takes constant reinforcement, because we are
so conditioned to shallow breathing).
