Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Circular breathing

Circular breathing is a specialized used primarily by performers of wind instruments to produce a continuous, uninterrupted stream of sound without pausing to inhale. It works by storing a reserve of air in the cheeks while playing, then inhaling fresh air through the as the stored air is expelled through the to sustain the , effectively creating a "circular" flow of breath. This method allows musicians to extend phrases far beyond normal capacity, enabling prolonged notes and complex passages that would otherwise require breaks. The technique has deep roots in traditional music across diverse cultures, dating back thousands of years. It originated among Aboriginal peoples for playing the , a crafted from wood, where circular breathing is essential to maintain the 's hypnotic, continuous . Similar practices appear in Mongolian folk music with the limbe , facilitating wide-ranging melodies in long songs, as recognized by as an . Other traditions include the , a double-reed oboe-like used in classical and ceremonial music, and Tuvan throat-singing styles, where it supports overtone production and sustained vocal s. In Western music, circular breathing gained prominence in the 20th century through jazz, classical, and experimental genres, often for achieving extreme durations or seamless improvisation. Some oboists and bassoonists in European orchestras have adopted it, while saxophonists like Evan Parker and clarinetists like Ned Rothenberg employed it for avant-garde extended techniques. Flutists such as Robert Dick integrated it into contemporary compositions. Popularized further by saxophonist Kenny G in the 1980s for marathon solos, the technique has also influenced record attempts for the longest sustained note on wind instruments, including the 2023 Guinness World Record of 13 minutes 26.95 seconds on a gaita, highlighting its role in both artistic expression and technical virtuosity.

Fundamentals

Definition and Purpose

Circular breathing is a specialized technique employed by performers on wind instruments to produce a continuous without interruption. It involves simultaneously exhaling a reserve of air stored in the while inhaling through the , thereby maintaining steady airflow into the instrument. This method allows musicians to extend the duration of notes far beyond the limits of a single breath, creating the illusion of uninterrupted sound production. The primary purpose of circular breathing is to enable the execution of extended musical phrases, sustained notes, rapid passages, and improvisational solos without audible pauses for . Unlike conventional , which necessitates a temporary halt in exhalation to draw in air through the or , circular breathing circumvents these interruptions by decoupling from the primary airflow. This capability not only enhances expressive freedom for performers but also liberates composers from constraints imposed by typical capacity, allowing for more fluid and prolonged musical structures. At its core, the technique relies on creating an air reserve in the or to serve as a during the brief moments of nasal . The performer puffs out the to hold this stored air, then uses the muscles and to expel it steadily while the lungs refill, ensuring seamless continuity in the sound stream.

Physiological Mechanism

Circular breathing involves coordinated use of specific anatomical structures to enable simultaneous and . The function as an air reservoir through buccal pouching, where the buccinator and other compress stored air to sustain into the . The plays a critical role by elevating to form a velopharyngeal seal, separating the oral and nasal cavities and preventing air leakage during the transition phases. The often displaces superiorly or posteriorly to assist in occluding the oropharynx, while the contracts to drive nasal , expanding the for efficient air intake. In the respiratory cycle, draws from the pressurized oral reserve in the cheeks, maintaining continuous positive in the instrument, while occurs concurrently through the (or occasionally the corner of the in some techniques). As cheek air depletes, the lowers, and the repositions to reopen the oropharyngeal pathway, allowing air to resume seamlessly; this sequence repeats cyclically. Cine (cMRI) studies reveal a consistent pattern of and displacements—inferior/anterior for pouch filling, superior/posterior for sealing, and vice versa for transitions—ensuring dual airflow with only brief occlusions averaging less than 0.5 seconds in skilled performers. This mechanism enhances energy efficiency in skilled performers through shorter cycle times and minimizing interruptions in sound production. However, it demands precise coordination of oropharyngeal and diaphragmatic muscles to prevent , , or air leaks, with unskilled practitioners experiencing longer times that can increase effort. Biomechanical analyses confirm that proficient users maintain stable airflow with minimal disruption to oxygen exchange, as nasal sustains pulmonary throughout the cycle.

Historical Development

Traditional Origins

Circular breathing, a technique enabling continuous sound production on wind instruments, has its earliest known roots in the traditional practices of Indigenous Australian Aboriginal peoples, particularly in . There, it is fundamental to playing the (known as yidaki in the language), an instrument developed at least 1,500 years ago based on depictions in . The method allows performers to sustain drones for extended periods, which is essential for accompanying , ceremonies, and sacred rituals that connect participants to ancestral Dreamtime narratives and world. Passed down through oral traditions across generations, the technique carries profound cultural and spiritual significance, often serving as a communal practice symbolizing with the and bonds, with no evidence of written notation in these pre-colonial contexts. The earliest European documentation of the and its playing style, implying circular breathing through descriptions of uninterrupted tones, appears in 1835 records by explorer and surgeon Thomas Braidwood Wilson during his expedition to the Cobourg Peninsula. Similar techniques emerged independently in other non-Western traditions. In the , circular breathing is documented in the performance of double-reed instruments such as the and , dating back thousands of years to ancient times, enabling prolonged melodies in communal celebrations, processions, and mystical Sufi rituals that emphasize trance-like endurance and collective expression. In , it is used with the Indian , a double-reed oboe-like instrument central to classical and ceremonial music, allowing extended phrases in processions and rituals. In , Mongolian performers employ it on the flute to sustain wide-ranging melodies in long folk songs, a practice recognized by as . Additionally, various throat-singing styles among Tuvan, , and communities utilize circular breathing to support overtone production and sustained vocal drones in traditional performances. These oral traditions highlight the technique's role in fostering social cohesion and spiritual depth, often without formal notation, mirroring its function as a vessel for and endurance tests in ritual settings.

Modern Evolution

The adoption of circular breathing in Western music emerged in the early 20th century, primarily through jazz innovations influenced by non-Western traditions encountered via colonial exchanges. In jazz circles, saxophonist and clarinetist Harry Carney, a key member of Duke Ellington's orchestra, is credited as one of the earliest prominent adopters, employing the technique in the 1920s to sustain extended phrases and solos. This marked the first significant documentation of the method in Western instrumental performance, transitioning it from traditional contexts to modern ensembles. Key figures further propelled its refinement and dissemination in during the mid-20th century. Oboist , a born in , championed circular breathing as part of extended techniques in contemporary compositions, integrating it into his performances and pedagogical work at institutions like the Basel Music Academy. Holliger's advocacy helped spread the technique through European conservatories, where it was taught alongside traditional methods to enable seamless execution in solo and chamber repertoire, including his own Studie über Mehrklänge (1971) for , which requires circular breathing for continuous multiphonics. In the United States, similar adoption occurred in academic settings, with wind players at institutions like the incorporating it into curricula by the 1960s to address demands for uninterrupted tones. By the mid-20th century, circular breathing had become integral to both and classical domains, facilitating its entry into orchestral settings. popularized the in the 1960s, using it to perform polyphonic improvisations on multiple saxophones simultaneously, as demonstrated in live recordings from the era. In , Holliger's influence extended to orchestral works, where the technique supported sustained passages in 20th-century . This integration allowed performers to navigate extended phrases in symphonic literature without tonal interruptions, enhancing expressive possibilities in 20th-century . In recent decades up to 2025, circular breathing has benefited from digital resources and , broadening its application beyond performance. tutorials, proliferating since the early 2000s via platforms like , have democratized learning, with step-by-step videos from educators enabling self-paced mastery for wind instrumentalists worldwide. Scientifically, post-2000 studies have validated its mechanics and therapeutic potential; for instance, cine research in 2014 detailed the physiological process, supporting its use in treating conditions like . Further investigations, including a 2025 study on circular breathwork, have linked the technique to reduced stress, anxiety, and enhanced emotional regulation in contexts, particularly for extended techniques in therapeutic interventions. These developments underscore its evolving role in both artistic innovation and health applications.

Technique

Performing the Technique

To perform circular breathing effectively during active play on a , begin with proper preparation to ensure a smooth integration into your performance. Adopt a relaxed with shoulders down and aligned to facilitate unrestricted diaphragmatic and reduce in the upper body. Start by fully inflating the lungs through a deep , then puff the cheeks to create an air reserve in the oral cavity, holding this for 5-10 seconds while maintaining a steady exhalation stream to simulate airflow. This builds the capacity to store and control reserve air without interrupting tone production. The execution involves a seamless cycle of air management while sustaining sound on the . First, while exhaling steadily into the from the , fill the with air by pushing from the to create the reserve, ensuring the remains uninterrupted. Second, as air depletes, the path between the oral cavity and nasal passages using the or to prevent air leakage, which isolates the cheek reserve for expulsion. Third, simultaneously inhale through the to refill the while deflating the to push the stored air out through the and into the , maintaining pressure with cheek muscles acting as . Fourth, repeat the cycle by transitioning back to -supported exhalation once the empty, reconnecting the air sources with a subtle forward movement (such as a soft "gah" ) to avoid any audible break. This process relies on precise coordination of the , , and muscles for fluid operation. Common pitfalls include air leaks from incomplete sealing of the or , leading to gaps in , and timing mismatches between cheek and nasal , which can cause gulping sounds or pitch fluctuations. Over-reliance on cheek muscles may result in during extended passages, so with diaphragmatic support to avoid strain. To transition from normal to circular breathing, initiate the cheek fill during a natural end or descending line, where relaxation aids the switch, and practice masking minor transitions with dynamic swells or . For duration goals, aim to build from sustaining single notes for 10 seconds using the , gradually extending to 30 seconds or more through consistent repetition on mid-range pitches at moderate volume. With focused practice, performers can achieve indefinite play on sustained tones, enabling continuous phrasing in demanding repertoire without respiratory pauses.

Learning the Technique

Learning circular breathing begins with foundational exercises that isolate the key components of air storage and continuous flow, progressing from isolated practice to instrument integration. Novices start by practicing air reserve using a straw submerged in water, where the goal is to maintain a steady stream of bubbles by exhaling through the mouth while inhaling through the nose, simulating uninterrupted airflow. To ensure proper cheek isolation, learners can use a mirror for visual feedback, puffing out the cheeks like a balloon and breathing normally through the nose while keeping the cheeks inflated without collapsing. These beginner drills, such as the "raspberry" buzzing sound to expel cheek air while inhaling, should be performed in short 5-minute daily sessions to build muscle memory without fatigue. As proficiency develops, intermediate practitioners apply these skills to the by starting with scales, transitioning to sustained long tones where breaths are timed every 8-16 beats using a to synchronize the switch from air to air. This progression emphasizes stabilizing and during the brief nasal , often beginning with silent or mouthpiece practice before full engagement. At advanced levels, musicians incorporate circular breathing into full pieces, focusing on seamless during dynamic passages. To troubleshoot in the cheeks or jaw, yoga-inspired relaxation techniques, such as conscious body scans combined with slow pranayama-style exhales, can release built-up strain and promote smoother air transitions. Valuable resources include Robert Dick's seminal book Circular Breathing for the Flutist (1987), which provides illustrated methods adaptable to various winds, and modern digital tools like apps (e.g., Pro Metronome) or platforms such as Breathwrk for guided timing and exercises. With consistent practice, basic mastery typically takes 1-3 months, enabling extended playing without interruption.

Applications

Musical Contexts

Circular breathing plays a pivotal role in , where it enables performers to sustain extended solos exceeding five minutes without interruption, allowing for seamless melodic development and rhythmic continuity. In this genre, saxophonists and other wind players employ the technique to maintain airflow during complex, spontaneous phrases, enhancing the expressive freedom characteristic of performances. In classical music, circular breathing supports extended techniques within contemporary compositions, facilitating innovative sound production in works that demand prolonged, uninterrupted tones. Composers incorporate it to explore timbral variations and structural motifs, as seen in pieces for or that integrate sustained lines with multiphonics and glissandi. For instance, in orchestral settings, it allows woodwind players to contribute to unbroken melodic arcs in passages, preserving the integrity of the composition's phrasing. Performance benefits of circular breathing extend to enabling polyphonic effects, circular motifs, and drone maintenance, which enrich musical textures across genres. By sustaining , it allows wind instrumentalists to layer harmonies or hold foundational tones, as in drone-based improvisations or orchestral sustains where interruptions would disrupt cohesion. This capacity supports the creation of cyclical patterns that symbolize in both improvisational and composed works. In ensemble settings, circular breathing presents challenges related to with other players, as the performer's internal must align with the group's phrasing to avoid disrupting collective timing or . This requires heightened auditory and visual cues to integrate sustained lines seamlessly. Its in electronic music hybrids involves combining acoustic instruments with , where circular breathing sustains organic tones that blend with looped or synthesized elements, creating immersive, extended soundscapes in experimental genres.

Specific Instruments

Circular breathing adaptations vary significantly across instrument families, influenced by factors such as reed type, mouthpiece design, and air resistance. In woodwind instruments, the technique demands precise control over the reed to prevent interruptions in tone during the momentary storage and expulsion of air from the cheeks. For double-reed woodwinds like the oboe and English horn, performers must maintain consistent embouchure pressure on the reed while inhaling through the nose, ensuring the reed continues to vibrate seamlessly during air transfer. This precision is crucial to avoid reed closure or erratic pitch, particularly in extended lyrical lines. On the bassoon, circular breathing facilitates sustains in the low register, where the instrument's larger bore requires substantial air volume; players store air in the cheeks to bridge breaths without disrupting the deep, resonant fundamentals typical of notes below middle C. Single-reed woodwinds, such as the , also necessitate meticulous management, with players using the tongue and to isolate stored cheek air from the ongoing airstream, preserving the 's single-beat vibration for uninterrupted or clarion register passages. The , a staple in , leverages circular breathing for prolonged solos, enabling saxophonists like Evan Parker to execute continuous, lines without conventional breath pauses, enhancing rhythmic flow in contexts. Brass instruments adapt circular breathing with modifications due to the inherent from lip buzzing against the mouthpiece, which reduces the need for extensive cheek expansion. On the and , minimal cheek puffing suffices, as the embouchure's sustains while air is replenished nasally, avoiding disruptions in high-register endurance or pedal tones. The employs the technique for extended lyrical phrases, where players coordinate subtle cheek pressure with diaphragmatic support to maintain the horn's warm, conical across dynamic swells. Among other instruments, the relies on a traditional buccal method, storing air in the cheeks to produce indefinite drones via continuous lip vibration against the wooden tube, a practice originating in Indigenous Australian traditions. Bagless folk instruments, such as certain bamboo flutes or shawms, adapt circular breathing similarly to woodwinds but often with looser embouchures for rustic sustains in traditional ensembles. In the 2020s, electronic wind controllers like the EWI series and WX models have incorporated circular breathing for real-time breath modulation, allowing performers to sustain MIDI control signals for evolving electronic timbres in fusion and experimental genres without hardware interruptions. Despite these applications, circular breathing faces limitations on certain instruments. render it unnecessary and impractical, as the inflated bag provides continuous pressure independent of the player's lungs. Flutes pose challenges without modifications, requiring heightened lip tension to mask air pulses, which can take up to two years to master for even tone. Comparatively, the technique is easier on double-reed instruments like the and than on single-reed or flutelike types, owing to their greater natural backpressure that stabilizes the airstream during transitions.

References

  1. [1]
    [PDF] Circular-Breathing.pdf
    Circular breathing is a technique that allows the wind instrumentalist to maintain sound for long periods of time by inhaling through the nose while maintaining ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
  2. [2]
    January 1997 - Oberlin College and Conservatory
    Control of blowing and inhaling through the nose is the first step toward circular blowing, commonly known as circular breathing. By releasing stored air ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition<|control11|><|separator|>
  3. [3]
    The Didjeridu of Australia - Center for World Music
    Jan 27, 2017 · “Circular breathing” is employed to produce continuous sound ... Aboriginal people of northern Australia invented the instrument and ...
  4. [4]
    Folk long song performance technique of Limbe performances
    Through the use of circular breathing, Limbe performers are able to produce the continuous, wide-ranging melodies characteristic of the long song. Players ...
  5. [5]
  6. [6]
    The Woodshed: The Logistics of Circular Breathing | Berklee
    Former oboist Jonathan McPhee, the conductor of the Boston Ballet Orchestra, learned circular breathing as a matter of course in the United Kingdom. He was ...Missing: origins | Show results with:origins
  7. [7]
    [PDF] a training plan for Luciano Berio's Sequenza XII
    Aug 22, 2017 · The performer is expected to use double circular breathing (inhaling and exhaling stale air while maintaining sound on the instrument) ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  8. [8]
    The Longest Note Record Gets Broken, Or Maybe Not - NPR
    May 11, 2017 · There was some confusion over who has been able to hold the longest note on a wind instrument using the technique called circular breathing.
  9. [9]
    How Can I Learn Circular Breathing? - The Clarinet Pages
    As the air decreases in the cheeks and sufficient air is brought into the lungs through the nose, the soft palate closes and air is again used from the lungs.Missing: physiological mechanism anatomy
  10. [10]
    Mechanics of circular breathing in wind musicians using cine ...
    Sep 19, 2014 · Mechanics of circular breathing in wind musicians using cine magnetic resonance imaging techniques. Tiffany Peng MD,. Tiffany Peng MD.
  11. [11]
    Mechanics of Circular Breathing in Wind Musicians Using Cine ...
    Mechanics of Circular Breathing in Wind Musicians Using Cine Magnetic Resonance Imaging Techniques. Laryngoscope. 2015 Feb;125(2):412-8. doi: 10.1002/lary ...
  12. [12]
    Respiratory Function in Wind Instrument Players - PMC - NIH
    The purpose of this research is to examine the function of the respiratory system of wind instrumentalists.
  13. [13]
    [PDF] australian aboriginal musical instruments: the didjeridu, the - UNSW
    Didjeridu players use a technique called "circular breathing" to enable them to maintain the sound without pause for a period of minutes. In this technique ...
  14. [14]
    Didgeridoo – Duke University Musical Instrument Collections
    The didgeridoo originated in northern Australia, supposedly in what is now Goulburn Island and Croker Island, hewn from trees and hollowed out.
  15. [15]
    Appendix 1 - A Selective List of Vernacular Horns and Trumpets
    Oct 31, 2018 · ... circular-breathing technique, Nilgiri Hills, Toda, Badaga, south India ... Mbuti Pygmies, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mombili, Side ...
  16. [16]
  17. [17]
    Breathing While Saxophone Playing Should Be An Olympic Sport
    Sep 3, 2015 · One of the earliest proponents of circular breathing, and perhaps the first to bring it to the mainstream, was Harry Carney, a saxophonist and ...
  18. [18]
    Circular breathing | Wind Instrument, Embouchure & Technique
    It is common in the folk and art musics of many cultures. Instruments played with this technique include the bawu of southwestern China, the didjeridu of ...
  19. [19]
    HEINZ HOLLIGER REFUTES THESIS THAT THE OBOE IS AN ILL ...
    Apr 10, 1981 · ''Another technique used by composers now to achieve special effects is called circular breathing, a way of building up enough air to sustain ...
  20. [20]
    [PDF] Circular Breathing: - Journal of Music Research Online
    The most effective method for sustaining sound on most wind instruments beyond the duration of a natural breath and whilst still inhaling regularly is to employ ...
  21. [21]
    Mechanics of Circular Breathing in Wind Musicians Using Cine ...
    Aug 10, 2025 · Mechanics of Circular Breathing in Wind Musicians Using Cine Magnetic Resonance Imaging Techniques. Wiley. The Laryngoscope. February 2015; 125 ...
  22. [22]
    Learn how to Circular Breathe in 10 minutes. Really. - YouTube
    Aug 23, 2016 · You can do this. I swear. In 10 minutes you'll understand the basics of circular breathing (though you will still have to practice a lot to ...Missing: physiological mechanism anatomy cheeks palate
  23. [23]
    Circular breathwork induces altered states of consciousness linked ...
    Apr 28, 2025 · Early studies suggest that circular breathwork may alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD, while enhancing self-awareness and life ...Missing: 2000-2025 | Show results with:2000-2025
  24. [24]
  25. [25]
    Circular Breathing: When and How to Use It
    ### Circular Breathing: How to Perform, Steps, Preparation, Pitfalls, and Tips for Brass/Wind Players
  26. [26]
    Circular Breathing Tutorial 1 | The Workshop of Dionysus
    Apr 12, 2015 · Use a mirror to check that your cheeks remain constantly puffed out. Experiment with how to increase the volume of air by relaxing muscles ...Missing: feedback | Show results with:feedback
  27. [27]
    Learn Circular Breathing: Quick Step-by-Step Guide - Tuning Charts
    Learn the technique of circular breathing. Expert guide with step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips for continous breathing.<|control11|><|separator|>
  28. [28]
    Breathwork Training for Mindfulness | Open blog
    Jun 19, 2025 · Breathwork techniques like circular breathing help process emotions stuck in the subconscious. By releasing pent-up tension, individuals can ...
  29. [29]
    The Complete Guide to Circular Breathing on Saxophone - mansdone
    Instrumental Continuity: ~1 month (unbroken but uneven tones). Mastery: 3+ months (stable pitch/dynamics, no audible transitions). Conclusion Circular breathing ...
  30. [30]
    [PDF] Circular Breathing The Cultural Politics Of Jazz In Britain
    This article will explore the role of circular breathing – a extraordinary technique allowing for uninterrupted melodic lines – as a microcosm of these complex ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
  31. [31]
    Five of the best musicians who use extended technique
    Sep 18, 2019 · Caerulean features multiphonics, air sounds and glissandos (notated as 'sexy gliss'), as well as circular breathing. ... The 15 weirdest works of ...
  32. [32]
    Etude 10: Circular Breathing - For the Contemporary Flutist
    The great master Rahsaan Roland Kirk (picture) was a total genius in using circular breathing on the flute, as well as on multiple reed-instruments ...
  33. [33]
    Throat Singing: A unique vocalization from three cultures
    Singers use a form of circular breathing which allows them to sustain multiple notes for long periods of time. Young Tuvan singers are trained from ...
  34. [34]
    How to sing a drone of staggering beauty
    Apr 5, 2021 · Instrumentalists can hold sustained notes by practising what is known as circular breathing. They maintain a reservoir of air in their ...
  35. [35]
    Integrating breath, music, and narratives for emotional growth
    This article presents an expanded application of the Music Breathing (MB) method, evolving from its clinical origins to support emotional well-being in ...
  36. [36]
    Maximizing phonation: impact of inspiratory muscle strengthening ...
    Jan 12, 2025 · The purpose of vocal warm-up is to provide voice therapy or vocal training for singers and to coordinate the three vocal subsystems (breathing, ...
  37. [37]
    In touch: Cardiac and respiratory patterns synchronize during ...
    Aug 5, 2022 · In other words, singing the same musical voice coordinates breathing which, in turn, results in systematic synchronization of respiration ...
  38. [38]
    Hybrid Instruments, Didgeridoo Festivals and New Music from ...
    Feb 29, 2016 · AJ has developed a number of programs for Didge Project including The ABCs of Didgeridoo, The Didgeridoo Skills Course, and Circular Breathing ...
  39. [39]
    Circular Breathing: Oboe & English Horn - Band Director
    both inhaling and exhaling — make playing the oboe a much more comfortable experience. The big hurdle one needs to overcome in order to ...
  40. [40]
    Extended Techniques - Oboehelp
    They require non-standard fingerings, and generally also work better with a vibrant reed, more reed in the mouth, and often much looser embouchure pressure.<|separator|>
  41. [41]
    [PDF] florida state university - International Double Reed Society
    Cooper contributes mute fingerings for the lower register of the bassoon, from C1 to f♯. ... “Circular Breathing: Performance Practice or Parlor Trick?
  42. [42]
    [PDF] ANALYSIS OF SELECTED SAXOPHONE MUSIC BY ALEX MINCEK ...
    Parker is best known for his solo soprano saxophone playing, where he implements the use of multiple extended techniques including circular breathing, split ...
  43. [43]
  44. [44]
    The effect of playing a wind instrument or singing on risk of sleep ...
    The results of one of the included studies suggest that practicing the didgeridoo/circular breathing may train airway muscles, leading to less collapse of ...
  45. [45]
    Circular Breathing on Saxophone and other Woodwinds
    Circular breathing is a technique that may have been first developed by Australian Aborigines for playing the didgeridoo, an instrument which requires a lot of ...What is circular breathing? · Why would you do this? · How do you do Circular...Missing: folk | Show results with:folk
  46. [46]
    The Wind Controller FAQ - Patchman Music
    Aug 20, 2025 · A wind controller generally can sound like ANYTHING and is only limited by the capabilities of the connected sound generator.
  47. [47]
    Do Pipers Need to Learn Circular Breathing? - Dojo University
    Nov 17, 2024 · You can learn to circular breathe pretty quickly, but mastering it, like mastering a steady blowing cycle on the pipes, can take a bit of time ...