Breath Builder Training Device

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I have used my breathbuilder since November of last year. It has helped me a lot with improving my breath support, training me to take deeper breaths, and to make a breath last longer. It has been very helpful building my endurance for the saxophone, and it also helps improve my breath support for my flute playing. The breathbuilder will be useful for anyone with a wind instrument.

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I gave a sixth grade beginner one of these the other day during his euphonium lesson. He would play a line from his assignment. Then, he would take a few slow, relaxed puffs to keep the ping-pong ball up all the time, while both inhaling and exhaling. Then, back to the horn to play another line. The improvement in sound was amazing. I cannot think of a better investment in tone production for any wind player, at any level, and such an inexpensive one at that. By the way, the new colors--blue, green, orange, etc.--are a fun upgrade over the clear plastic ones of the previous generation.

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This product comes with no instructions, but there are on-line sites that give insight on its use. It comes with two tubes, which attach (one at a time) to the little protrusion at the top. Attach the big tube if you play a big horn or flute, the small tube for smaller horns. The idea is to suspend the ping-pong ball by blowing and sucking (exhaling and inhaling) with the tube in your mouth. It takes quick inhales to keep the ball from falling, so you learn to get a good sustaining breath in a hurry. I'm new to this device, but I think it holds some promise.

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I have all of my students purchase a breath builder and use my own to demonstrate. It works wonders! My students find it easier to understand how to use their air and produce a strong and steady tone. Many find it difficult to be relaxed when using this contraption. Keep in mind that you must not tense and tighten the airway. Try to form an embouchure while using the breath builder and practice keeping it steady. It's a great way to train students if they are having embouchure trouble. The holes at the top are a little confusing for young ones and their little fingers may not be able to seal them completely. A good tip I learned from a professor is to tape the holes, leaving one open, with electrical tape. This way you don't have to worry about stretching those fingers while holding the breath builder at the same time. I'm sure there are other techniques but I hope this helps. Happy practicing!