Wind instrumentalists who take Alexander Technique lessons soon realize how they may set up a series of faulty habits when they form their embouchure, hold their instrument, or even prepare to take a breath. As they become more self-aware and employ Alexander Technique principles, they can discover a whole new way of thinking and approach to their instrument.

Using their new-found awareness, some wind players may notice that they compress their torso and tighten their chest, shoulders, arms, neck, and face in an effort to push a high volume of air through their mouthpieces. The inefficiency of the embouchure muscles counters the goal of maintaining a sustained and even breath. Facial tension from the embouchure carries on through the rest of the body, hampering finger agility, articulation speed, the ability to take a fuller breath – ultimately limiting musical choices. 

The energy required to produce a beautiful tone through the air pressure of the mouthpiece tends to get held in the upper body, divorcing it functionally from the rest of the body. The torso and legs are no longer able to do their job of properly supporting the entire body and wind instrumentalists find it difficult to remain “anchored.” These restrictive habits prevent their lungs from freely and fully taking a breath.

Alexander Technique encourages wind players to let go of their habitual tension and breathe expansively as their posture improves. They often find that the formation of their embouchure does not require as much pressure as they originally assumed. In many cases, they discover that their tone production becomes fuller and richer. Their newfound ease in coordination and movement facilitates musical freedom.