The Art of Breath for all Wind Players

Master your breath with ease and power

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In this 6 -week online course, you’ll learn specific body and breath exercises from Aikido and yoga, that teach you

  • to release tension and create space for a natural, effortless breath flow

  • how to develop stronger breath support, allowing you to produce a richer sound with greater control and volume

  • build stamina and sustain long phrases

  • to breath deeply into the belly for full support

By the end of the course

you will know how to activate and strengthen your entire breathing system.

Our goal is to help you adjust your breath to the demands of the music you are playing, whether it's playing longer phrases on a single breath
or taking quick and efficient breaths with ease.

You'll also become more aware of your own breathing patterns and learn how to return to a calm, natural rhythm.

Who is it for?

This course is designed for all wind players——woodwind and brass alike—both professionals and amateurs who want to improve their breath control and playing experience. It is especially beneficial for those who struggle with one or more of these points:

  • Building stamina and sustaining long phrases

  • Physical tension or nervousness affecting breath flow

  • Difficulty breathing deeply into the belly for full support

  • Taking in air more efficiently for effortless and natural playing

Music teachers who are looking for effective ways to help their students with breath-related challenges are also very welcome.

Stefanie Liedtke (foto's Michel Marang)

About me

I’m a professional bassoonist, recorder player and teacher with 30 years of experience in Aikido, the Japanese martial art. I coach wind players to feel more at ease in their bodies, helping them release excessive tension so they can play with greater freedom and reach their full potential.

What will you get?

Pre-recorded exercises to do at your own pace and time.·
One Q&A call every week. (The calls will be recorded, so you can watch them later if you can't attend.)

What does it cost?

To be announced

What participants say about this course

"Stefanie Liedtke’s course “The Art of Breath” will surely help anyone suffering from tension while playing a brass instrument. She has put together a series of breathing exercises drawing from her many years of experience with the Japanese martial art aikido, yoga and meditation techniques. Even after being a professional horn player for 30 years and always working to optimize my breathing, I was surprised how Stefanie’s exercises released so much excess tension – tension that I no longer realized I was carrying around with me! I noticed I suddenly had more air capacity, easier legato, better articulation and more power in my playing. Highly recommended!"

Daniel Costello, associate principal horn, Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau, Germany

"I really enjoyed the course. Stefanie is an excellent teacher - she has so muchexperience and knowledge of this subject. She has a very calm manner and I like the ideas of curiosity, playfulness and experimentation that she has brought to the sessions..."

Elizabeth Wood, professional bassoon player, UK

"Stefanie is very clear in her presentation and description of the exercises. She has convinced me of the necessity to include relaxation and breathing exercises in my daily live, even if they are not always directly connected with playing music."

Yvette van Dok, amateur clarinet player, Driebergen Netherlands

"I highly recommend this course, the great array of exercises to help you stay grounded, be more focussed but more than anything having greater control over your breath and breath support is really beneficial for any woodwind player"

Susanne, amateur clarinet and recorder player, Queensland, Australia

"Stephanie offers an excellent mix of information about breathing, relaxation and breathing exercises from aikido, yoga and other practises, and a friendly and open environment to discuss topics and share information. The weekly videos and pdf's with exercises, are very clear. It got me back on track working on breathing and relaxation..."

Saskia Teunisse professional recorder player and teacher, Bodegraven, The Netherlands - member of Bassano Quartet

"It is a great course to get to know your body better and work on aspects of calming the nervous system, increasing breathing techniques for different purposes and integrate them into your playing."

Gretha Tuls, professional bassoon player, solo bassoon
Residentie Orchestra, The Hague, The Netherlands