Full-breathing exercises are designed to develop the inhaling capacity of the lungs. This exercise should be completed slowly. As each breath is drawn in through the nose, count five quarter notes; use the same amount of time on the exhale through the mouth. Complete this exercise in a set of four, and then rest for 30 seconds while breathing normally. Repeat the exercise. During the exercise, focus on filling your lungs completely with air.
Developing an awareness of how much air you can inhale and when your supply in the lungs is running out helps you develop a natural rhythm to breathing that doesn't interfere with the song being played. Exercises designed to create awareness require the musician to inhale to only a part of the full lung capacity and exhale a part of the lung capacity before inhaling again. For example, the musician may start out with a full breath then exhale one-third of the lung capacity.
Replacement breathing is not designed to allow the brass player to fully fill his lungs but rather to replace a small portion of air that was just released. Replacement breathing technique is useful in fast-paced songs. The method of replacement breathing is completed by inhaling quickly between notes. This must be completed rapidly so it doesn't interfere with the song. The exercise can be practiced by placing the tongue on the roof of the mouth and tonguing out the beats while quickly inhaling between every third note. If the rhythm falls behind, then the breath wasn't drawn fast enough.
Rhythm breathing is designed to help the brass player develop a comfort with breathing patterns at the various rhythms of music. Breathing for a song in 4/4 time is different than the breathing that is required at 1/2 time or 3/4 time. Rhythm breathing requires that the player use his tongue to tap out the beat of the rhythm on the roof of his mouth while exhaling. Inhaling must also be done in time with the rhythm.