Colloquium - Presenters

ABSTRACT
Breathing is essential to successful performance on woodwind instruments. However, instruction in this regard is inconsistent and can confuse both developing instrumentalists and accomplished practitioners. Accurate instruction is paramount to instrumental success. Breath is intimately connected to our wellbeing, and how we breathe influences our nervous system. With proper recruitment of the diaphragm, we can stimulate the vagus nerve and engage the parasympathetic nervous response. Remarkably, the brain/body connection is a two-way street, as our brain can signal the body to breathe, and we can regulate our brain’s stress response by consciously managing our breath.

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Based on recent certification as a Functional Breathing Instructor, extensive review of woodwind method books and twenty-five plus years of practical experience as a learner and instructor, I believe that understanding the three pillars of breathing, as outlined in the Oxygen Advantage training, is paramount to enhanced wellbeing as practicing musicians. 

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The three dimensions of functional breathing are the Biomechanical, Biochemical and Psychophysiological. In my observations, the biomechanical and psychophysiological (mind/body) dimensions are adequately addressed, depending on the teacher’s experience. The most significant deficit lies in understanding the biochemical dimension and how our body’s tolerance to carbon dioxide plays into our wellbeing. 

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We can train our tolerance to carbon dioxide and regulate our stress responses with a simple intervention. Nasal breathing offers potential benefits for designing a practice regime that engages a calming, rest and digest, parasympathetic nervous system response. Intentional nasal breathing also maximizes the body’s nitric oxide uptake and allows for its optimized benefit. 

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This presentation will illuminate how our bodies breathe and what considerations we should make when designing an integrative practice. The pillars of breathing will be outlined and the Biochemical emphasized to understand the benefits of nasal nitric oxide and how to maximize it in practice. Although this research focuses on woodwinds, specifically flute, clarinet and saxophone, the principles apply to vocalists, brass and all that breathe. Integrative practice may mitigate stress, increase resilience and self-regulation, leading to more expressive and holistic musicianship.

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KEYWORDS
Breathing, stress, anxiety, resilience, woodwinds.

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BIO

Ryan Grist is a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate exploring Medical EthnoMusicology at York University and is passionate about helping learners realize their musical goals – from elementary to high school, undergraduates, and adult students. Ryan excels at connecting people to music through performance, private instruction, and classroom or workshop settings. Ryan regularly performs at local festivals, fundraisers and events, facilitating ensembles ranging from duos to big bands. He is the Artistic Director of Orangeville’s Jazz Society, a founding board member of the award-winning Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival, and an active worship team member at Compass Community Church. He teaches saxophone and woodwinds, delivers tutorials at York, and holds workshops at local High Schools. Ryan recently completed certification as a Functional Breathing Instructor and is excitedly integrating his findings with his twenty-five-plus years of teaching and performance experience. He resides in Orangeville with his wife, son, and daughter.