- Start by saying ‘Ha’ (like laughing) to activate the Stomach muscles aka diaphragm.
2. Inhale for four counts (the arms can come out on the inhale to the top of the head, then exhale for four to six counts saying ssssssss (arms come back down on the exhale next to sides).
You should feel your sides expanding outwards like a balloon.
You can increase the exhale count as you progress through this exercise.
The shoulders need to be relaxed (make sure they don’t come up when you take in a breath). Imagine you’ve just had a big lunch and let everything drop (stomach etc).
Alto Saxophone basics 