Over the past few years I have come to appreciate the importance of good breath control, particularly as a result of my teaching. When I started playing it was good enough just to get a sound - I was told to use my diaphragm, and I figured I must have been doing just that. Later I realised I was fooling myself. I’ve found that good air support can help with intonation and evenness of sound because it allows the embouchure to relax - this helps to centre the note, while allowing the reed to vibrate with freedom, producing a richer sound.

Practice breathing away from the instrument to focus solely on this aspect of playing. I used to spend time on trams on my way to College trying to breathe from the diaphragm. When breathing in, I really try to push my stomach out as well as feeling my lower back expand as well. Then just to top it off fill just under your shoulders for further expansion (try not to explode!). Now gradually pull your stomach back in and feel the air being pushed up from the bottom of your torso while breathing out.

This is not a natural way of breathing so doing it away from the instrument will help to slowly make it easier.

Adam Simmons - ARIA Award nominee 1997, internationally acclaimed saxophonist and flautist