July & August 2025
NEW for summer!
Breathing classes and lesson times - (proceeds go to FluteItForward,Friends)
Just Breathe - HTX
group breathing classes, in person - limit 6 - we will practice rapid breathing (“Wim Hof”) and breath holding and CO2 tolerance drills while talking about how to apply these to flute playing. bring a yoga mat or towel - not you won’t need your flute for this class (non-flutists are welcome, too.) Attend one class or the whole series - this is a light workout session - and may include walking outdoors, weather allowing.
Sunday July 20 8:30-10:00 Saturday July 26 8:30-10:00, Saturday August 23 8:30
Just Breathe - Virtual
same as above but over Zoom - as best we can! - you will need to set up your device so you can view it from a couch or easy chair - or from a sitting position on the floor
Wed.July 23 8:30-10 a.m. CDT, Wednesday, Aug. 27 8:30 - 10 a.m. CDT
Intensive 2 hr Private Lesson Special -select dates only - a 2 hour lessons for deep dives into technique, practice strategy, tone, breathing, troubleshooting -
July 21, August 25, Sept 2
Reach your musical potential by understanding your most valuable resource, YOUR AIR!
I’m Aralee Dorough, Principal Flutist of the Houston Symphony
I love giving musicians the tools and feedback they need to put together ALL the pieces of their musical journey!
No amount of knowledge or hard work can counter 100% of the musical limitations that can be caused by tension, faulty use and misconceptions about breathing, blowing and embouchure.
From my observations, the path towards professional flute playing is crammed full at the upper level with excellent candidates, all of whom are at about 7/8ths of the way to mastery. What is that last missing piece that will set someone apart? It’s often a small physical inefficiency.
Currently I’m interested in sharing some things I’ve discovered from practicing Wim Hof breathing, which is a method of fast breathing followed by breath holds done by many people for health and fitness. For me, it was a missing piece in my understanding of breathing and my arsenal of practice techniques that impact my flute playing.
I use the Breath Builder, Breathing Bag, plastic bags and different diameter drinking straws, regularly in my own practice, all the time—Why do I still have to do these things, as a professional, when I already know how to do them? — because it’s just like any other kind of practicing — it’s practice!
- June 2025
Stay tuned for more resources, tips, and lessons to help you master your breath control and learn how to play tension-free with ease.