No, not really, if I did then I would not be able to post this, and everyone knows about breathing while playing, but me.

While working hard to relax my shoulders and arms muscles, I noticed that the more I practiced or the more intense the tune, the harder it became as all my muscles were more and more tensed and aching. Found out that I forgot to breathe regularly or hold my breath over some hard passages.

So here is what I've been trying to do, hopefully sharing it with you just in case needed, a meditative breathing exercise, almost like Tai Chi in action, but with a violin instead.

Before starting to practice, I took a few deep breaths first, picked some slow tunes, scales, or just random notes/improvisations, something real familiar so there would not be much effort in playing and instead focusing on deep breathing, slowly in and out, empty my mind as there are just my violin sound and breathing timing. Slow movements, controlled breathing and relaxing are working like meditation for me. A few minutes for the exercise and then to some tune, or whatever, but with breathing in mind while playing, it seems to help quite a bit.

I find that it's much better, much more relaxing, as better tone, more precise fingering, better bowing control, and better vibrato.

May be a bit strange, but I like to share with you my experience in learning violin.

Don't laugh at me as I've been known as a rebel.

Thanks all for taking time to read this.

Robert