The secret of the 7 breaths
The essential basics
This course is designed for anyone who already has circular breathing and wants to :
- Tame the 7 circular breaths that condition didgeridoo playing
- Become more aware of their game
- Gain (enormous) technical precision
- Master the power of Wobbles (speed techniques linked to breathing)
Remember that day when your breath hitched? Like a click, something that unlocks.
And then you think, “That’s it! I think I’ve got it!
You hardly dare believe it, and yet you can’t stop. Everything becomes more fluid. You let yourself be carried along by the vibration.
All players remember this profound change. And rightly so, since continuous breathing is at the heart of the didgeridoo. It provides the breath, the rhythms, it brings your playing to life. It is movement.
Everyone agrees on this. The proof is in the beginners’ obsession (and I understand it) with learning circular breathing!
And yet…
It never ceases to amaze me how many players on the course are unaware of the mechanics of continuous breathing. It’s as if we were overlooking THE most important mechanism of the didgeridoo.
Sounds crazy to me. Doesn’t it?
Continuous breathing conditions your playing like no other technique. Not being aware of it would be like driving with your eyes closed… There’s a high risk of crashing!
But let’s go back to that memorable moment when you discovered him.
Buoyed by your enthusiasm, you played a lot. Over and over again.
Your continuous breath became stronger, more stable, more secure. With each inhalation, you anchored it a little more firmly within you. You made it your own.
The rhythms settled in. You became more and more comfortable and enjoyed playing regularly.
And then, slowly but surely, the rhythms began to repeat themselves. At first, it didn’t seem too bad, because the joy of blowing was always there. But as time went by, you ended up going round in circles and finding yourself in front of your screen, reading these lines.
No need to panic. You’ve just fallen into a trap.
You’ve locked yourself in, with your breath still coming in. You’ve become accustomed to your surroundings and cut yourself off from the world.
In short, you’ve forgotten about adventure and the taste for discovery and replaced it with a good sofa and a big TV! 😋
In my experience, most players use only one (max. 2) of the 7 continuous breaths,even when they think they’re using 3, 4 or even 7!
So obviously, if I were to suggest that you eat the same soup every day for the rest of your life, it seems rather logical to me that a certain weariness would set in.
But fear not! You’re far from the only one in this situation. Almost all players are the same (even the pros!). Just take a look at YouTube to see for yourself.
Youtube, the breath observatory
It’s fascinating to observe what everyone has put in place to be able to express themselves, and YouTube is an excellent observatory for this. Let’s start with the player I quickly found on YouTube by typing in “didgeridoo”.
Mitchell Cullen
I’ll leave you to listen to these three videos. Take a good look at his playing and note what stands out. Don’t look for too much, just what comes to you. Also listen for the moment when he inhales air.
I’ll be right back with the analysis.
Have you found Mitchell's breathing?
Aside from the man’s evolution (!), have you been able to observe Mitchell’s most-played sounds?
As you’ll have noticed, what immediately catches the ear are the screams (very well controlled!) which recur very often. You can also hear a few over-vibrations…
But here, it’s his breathing that interests us most. He breathes on what I call the “ON”, the “rebound breath”.
What does this breathing teach us?
The ON is THE most dynamic breath on the didgeridoo. So it’s hardly surprising that Mitchell, whose playing is lively, chose this breath (certainly unconsciously).
It is very often associated with cries and/or over-vibrations. Above all, it’s almost always placed at the end of a sentence. Listen to the videos again and observe the place of his breathing.
Mitchell developed his style (as did many Australians) with this breathing. More than 4 years separate the first and last videos, but the game has remained the same.
If Mitchell wants to change his habits, he’ll have to modify his breathing. He could, for example, attack it less and become more flexible…
…Just like Jeremy Donovan, who I’ll introduce to you next!
Jeremy Donovan
Jeremy is also Australian, or to be more precise, of mixed Aboriginal heritage. He’s easy to find on Youtube, with a video that’s had several million views (see below). Listen to his playing.
Did you find Jeremy's breathing?
There’s no denying that Jérémy’s playing is quieter than Mitchell’s! He plays long harmonic layers that are by nature very soft, giving him a full sound.
He uses his voice, but it’s more of a low, slow voice.
Jeremy’s style can be summed up as meditative…
… And that’s just as well, because he uses THE most flexible breath there is: the “WON”.
What does this breathing teach us?
WON” is what we might call passive breathing. It symbolizes letting go. We let ourselves be carried along by the sound, which guides our playing, not the other way around.
It is often played in harmonic layers (which is what Jeremy plays), in rather slow rhythms.
If Jeremy revitalized his “WON” a little, he’d go for Mitchell’s style. In fact, that’s what he’s starting to do in this video. However, I don’t think he’s aware of it, so the change isn’t obvious.
On the other hand, if he were to speed it up, it would evolve into “WAs”, like Ash Dargan’s set below.
Ash dargan
Ash Dargan is also an Aboriginal player. Like the two above-mentioned players, he doesn’t play in the traditional way and has developed his own style. He was a great inspiration to me when I started out!
What does this breathing teach us?
Have you heard the “WAs”? Ash Dargan was one of the first (to my knowledge) to play them. Since then, WAs have spread all over the world.
As Dargan’s game is flexible yet dynamic, two qualities the “WAs” possess.
The WA is at the heart of Ash Dargan’s playing and conditions all his phrasing.
Let's face it: breathing conditions our game!
If you look at all the YouTube videos of these players, you’re sure to find the same breaths and the same qualities.
Now do you see what I mean?
In reality, we’re all locked into our habits! You have to admit, it’s a shame!
With this training course, I’m offering you a way out.
Break your chains and set off on an adventure
We’re going on a trip and I’m going with you.
I’ve never stopped mapping the world of the didgeridoo. I’ve spent years understanding and exploring this wonderful world.
It’s vast.
And I’m delighted to be able to share some of it with you in this training course.
On the other hand, be warned: the journey I’m proposing is not trivial. Tackling your habits is never easy, and you’ll need a lot of courage.
But if you accept the challenge, then you’ll discover a world where each breath has its own character and lives in harmony with its sound ecosystem.
Some are slow, others fast. One will love softness, while the other will thrive on speed. One will live among attacks and dry sounds, while its neighbor will be versatile and camouflaged.
The 7 breaths have so much to teach us.
The art lies in letting them come to us, the better to observe and perhaps tame them.
How does the training work?
Once registered, you can access the videos
Le secret des 7 souffle totals 143 videos organized into 12 lessons. Course content is available on Wakademy. Access is simple and ergonomic.
Everything has been designed to make learning easier.
I answer all your questions
All teaching generates questions, and it’s only natural that you should have them. Under each lesson, a space is provided for you to ask me any questions you may have.
I usually reply within 24 to 48 hours. (A little longer during training courses, as I can’t be on all fronts!)
The community is here to support you
On the Wakademy forum, topics provoke discussion! As a subscriber, you have access to a space reserved for all those who post their videos.
Watch other members’ videos, follow their progress, listen to my audio comments… In short, let yourself be carried away by the dynamism of the community.
Of course, you can ask the community any questions you may have. I can assure you that you’ll quickly feel a great deal of support to blow away!
Send me your videos (if you feel like it!) and receive personalized advice.
Of course, learning to play the didgeridoo in front of a screen is tricky. You can’t be sure you’re doing it right, and it’s no substitute for a teacher giving you live feedback.
Once you’ve subscribed, you can send me a video every two months (which gives you time to practice in depth). I’ll then give you audio feedback, referring you to a specific lesson, a rhythm to develop or any other type of advice.
To share your video, you can either post it in the private section of the forum (and benefit from the feedback of other subscribed members) or simply send me the link by e-mail.
No pressure, I adapt to your choice.
Detailed program
THE SECRET OF THE 7 BREATHS
Master the seven breaths and break free from your conditioning
- Prerequisite: continuous breath
- Total time: 7 hours
- Number of videos: 143
- Number of lessons: 12
- From the method: The secret of the 7 breaths
- Audience: intermediate/advanced level for (much) more advanced technique
Determine your natural breathing
In this lesson, you will learn:
– To locate yourself in the world of continuous breaths
– To discover the 7 breaths and begin to understand them
– To differentiate between the different breaths and find your bearings
9 videos | 29 min
The perfect way to let go
In this lesson, you will learn:
– to shatter the myth of cheek breathing (!)
– to get in touch with the most supple breathing
– to relax and let go
– to get in touch with the suppleness of your cheeks, but not only!
– to discover that continuous breathing can be gentle and effortless
16 videos | 46 min
Lesson 3 – The cheekless won
Transitional breathing
In this lesson, you’ll learn:
– to stop using your cheeks to breathe in
– to distinguish between your tongue and your cheeks, which isn’t so obvious during continuous breathing!
– to keep your playing supple while putting more dynamism into it.
13 videos | 32 min
Lesson 4 – Le wa bout de langue
Dynamism and willpower!
In this lesson, you’ll learn:
– how to develop dynamic, dry and powerful breathing
– how to play a snappy wa to give your rhythms a chunkier feel
– how to perceive the fundamental differences between the different breaths
– that a little wa can’t go slowly and that it encourages you to go fast!
11 videos | 34 min
The best of both worlds
In this lesson, you will learn:
– to break the myth of jaw breathing
– to play smoothly while being extremely accurate.
– to use your cheeks to mask sound and transform it
– to be dynamic without having to force yourself.
13 videos | 39 min
Flexibility and rebound
In this lesson, you will learn:
– to combine the suppleness of your cheeks with the dynamics of the sound
– to perceive what provoked the “WA revolution” in France!
– to energize your cheeks to make a bouncing breath without being aggressive.
13 videos | 37 min
All-purpose breathing
In this lesson, you’ll learn:
– to master the most abstract breath of all
– to feel that control is essential to move from one breath to another
– to prepare yourself to move from a world of breathing, to a world of constant transition.
10 videos | 19 min
The rebound alliance
In this lesson, you’ll learn:
– to unravel the mystery of diaphragm breathing (which is far from being what it seems)
– to develop your rebound within a breath
– to make one sound where there could be many
12 videos | 37 min
The breathing circle
In this lesson, you will learn:
– take a step back and see the big picture
– see that everything is linked and can be summed up in a single, simple and playful diagram
– move around the circle of breaths
– step out of your breath to see that everything is movement
11 videos | 38 min
Give your rhythms a boost!
In this lesson, you will learn:
– to give dynamism to your rhythms
– that a single technique explains all the interdependence of breaths and attacks
– to make your phrasing “move forward” with real strength of sound
9 videos | 22 min
The path of speed
In this lesson, you will learn:
– how to play with wobbles to push the limits of speed ever further
– that there is an infinite number of wobbles that depend totally on the breaths you master (or don’t)
– how to slow down wobbles to deconstruct them and understand them better
– how to break out of your habits through speed
16 videos | 50 min
Infinite possibilities
– to enrich your rhythms with numerous wobbles
– to gain groove and rhythmic richness by working more closely with your breathing
10 videos | 38 min
But that's not all!
Send a video every month (for 6 months) and receive my audio commentary!
With video coaching, you can send me a video of about 1min 30 every month (for 6 months). I then reply with audio feedback in which I “correct” you and guide your progress.
With this coaching format, you’re assured of guidance and support as you learn. The one-month deadline gives you plenty of time to work on the exercises, while keeping in mind the next video to be sent, so you’ll have plenty of motivation!
To share your video, you can either post it in the private section of the forum (and benefit from the feedback of other subscribed members) or simply send me the link by e-mail.
I'll answer all your questions
I’m not interested in selling you just a video training course without any follow-up. That’s why I’m committed to answering all your questions for one year.
You’ll be able to ask questions under each video, so your questions and my answers will benefit all the other members taking the course.
Bonus 3 – Gift coupon
30€ discount on a course
Training courses are a privileged opportunity to meet and share. It’s also a great opportunity to take stock of your learning and the obstacles you can’t overcome.
To make sure you get the best possible follow-up, I’m offering you a €30 discount for a course valid for 2 years from the first day of your training subscription.
Please note that this discount cannot be combined with the reduced rate for courses.
They followed "The secret of the 7 breaths".
5/5
Based on more than 220 reviews
But beyond simple techniques, this training has given me a better overall understanding of playing and the importance of the breaths that structure it.
By becoming aware of things and naming them, I've acquired a greater finesse of analysis (still relative) of the pieces I listen to, which allows me to draw inspiration from them and also to have the freedom of a greater amplitude of play."
The Secret of 7 Breaths is designed for anyone who wants to :
- get out of their own way
- explore new sounds and rhythms
- develop their fluidity and flexibility
- stop playing the same rhythms all the time
- have perfect mastery of their didgeridoo
Sign up and
start classes now!
- Unlimited access to training
- 12 progressive lessons
- 143 videos
- More than 7 hours of lessons
- 1 year of Q&A
- 6 accompanying videos
- 30€ discount for a training course
And if you want to go even further,discover the training pack!
Training Pack
The “Secret of the 7 Breaths” training course
(and all its bonuses)
+ The art of the didgeridoo
Pack
At the heart of rhythm
The secret of 7 breaths + At the heart of rhythm
-
"The Secret of 7 Breaths" and all its extras
-
At the heart of rhythm" training
-
Intermediate/advanced level
-
Mastering the rhythmic basics of the didgeridoo
-
...And get out of your rhythmic habits!
-
8 progressive lessons
-
Over 630 audio recordings
-
72 videos
-
An ebook with all the rhythms
-
Podcast version of the course
Pack
La passerelle
Le secret des 7 souffles + La passerelle
-
"The Secret of 7 Breaths" and all its extras
-
La passerelle" training course
-
Intermediate/advanced level
-
Master beatbox codes
-
12 progressive lessons
-
Over 6h30 of video
-
Over 600 audio recordings
-
125 videos
-
Ebook + PDF
-
Podcast version of the course
Questions / Answers
How long do I have access to training?
You have lifetime access to your training. Simply log on to Wakademy to view the videos online.
Is this training right for me?
This course is suitable for people who:
– are motivated players with a continuous breath (make sure you have the basics with the “The art of the didgeridoo” course)
– have been playing for several years and are starting to go round in circles without being able to put their techniques into words.
– Don’t have a teacher close to home, already have the basics and would like to improve their playing
– Can’t motivate themselves to play their didgeridoo regularly.
– Going round in circles, unable to break out of their habits.
– Played 20 years ago and whose didgeridoo gives them the occasional eye.
– Have been discouraged by the lack of a stable, well-constructed teaching method
– Want to enjoy playing, simply…
– Those who are particularly unmotivated, because to touch the breaths is to open up immense possibilities.
– For people who would like to become professionals.
I've already tried taking courses and it didn't work...
As I’ve already mentioned, I too took lessons when I was starting out. I also took courses. I have to say that, for the most part, that’s not what helped me the most.
I often felt I couldn’t get clear explanations.
That’s why I’ve developed my teaching methods around concrete observation. I’m committed to explaining in simple terms how to master all the techniques presented in these training courses.
I'm not used to buying training on the web
It’s true that signing up for an online didgeridoo training course can be frightening, or simply unsettling.
The big advantage of online training is that it gives you access to exercises and sound advice that you wouldn’t find anywhere else, given the very small number of teachers!
It also allows you to progress at your own pace, watching videos at your convenience.
What’s more, Wakademy has been designed to make learning as easy as possible. Simple, uncluttered and ergonomic, everything has been thought out and optimized.
On the dedicated page, you’ll find all the videos sorted by lesson.
Last but not least, as security is a crucial issue with the Internet, the entire site is in HTTPS format, providing complete encryption of your banking data and login details.
I can teach myself the didgeridoo
Yes, it’s true. You can learn the didgeridoo on your own. It’s a fairly intuitive instrument that doesn’t require any particular musical knowledge (at least at first).
I learned almost everything myself (I also met a lot of players at the time, which helped a lot). But to have this luxury, you need to have the time…
To give just one example, I realized 17 years after I’d started just how much the rebound framed and conditioned the whole game around the breaths (see lesson 10, “The secret of the 7 breaths”… It was like a revelation but, boy, did it take me a long time!
It all reminds me of the Rubik’s Cube. I was a fan of this puzzle. As a teenager, I spent hours looking for the solution. I observed that by teaching my friends the solution I had found, they were able to solve the puzzle in a few hours, whereas it had taken me several hours a day for a month to find the solution.
If you’re lucky enough to be able to spend hours every day on the didgeridoo puzzle, then this is the course for you.
On the other hand, you can also benefit from the experience of someone who has done it for you.
And having dedicated my life to the didgeridoo, I can assure you that finding the solution to the Rubik’s cube is a lot easier than finding the solution to the didgeridoo!
Sorry Gauthier, but it's too expensive.
I admit, this training has a cost. In reality, I thought of it as enrolling in a music school for a year.
My intention is to give you an experience that goes beyond just watching videos on the Internet. Thanks to the follow-up videos, the community, our future exchanges, you’re entering a real school and not just an online course.
I sincerely believe that registering gives you the opportunity to be supported in your game, to have a source of motivation and the chance to progress.
What’s more, I give everything I know about these courses. You won’t find this precision anywhere else, even in Australia! I’m taking a risk by giving away all my years of research. In addition to all these videos, I’ve spent tens of thousands of hours teaching, playing and researching.
And last but not least, I was keen to make payments in several monthly instalments so that the rates could be adapted to all budgets.
I promise, it can’t get any better than this! 🤗
I don't have time to breathe
Although we already talked about the notion of time at the beginning of this page, there’s no denying it: learning a musical instrument requires a minimum of time. And of course, the more you play, the more you’ll progress.
To take full advantage of this training, I recommend that you set aside 15 minutes a day (or 30 minutes every other day), which works out at just under 2 hours a week.
These 2 hours include practice with and without your didgeridoo, as well as follow-up training in video, paper and podcast format.
Working on the exercises in the shower, at the wheel of your car or out for a walk will save you a lot of time!
You wouldn’t believe how much work you can do without a didgeridoo!
And finally, if learning to play the didgeridoo is important to you, you’ll save time by buying this course. Because, as I’ve explained a few lines above, all you’ll have to do is apply the exercises I give you.
How do I know if this method works?
Didgeridoo practice is based on the body. Your body is the instrument (I’ll tell you this many times during the training sessions!).
If you follow my advice, you’ll discover that each sound is the sonic reflection of a part of your body.
I like concrete things because they can be easily reproduced by everyone, which is why I have total confidence in my training and in your success.
I've bought your method, what do I gain with this video training?
Although the video content is based on my “Secret of the 7 Breaths” method, there’s a big difference between these two products.Here’s why:
– The video format is much closer to a “real” lesson. During the videos, I’m right there with you, just like in a workshop or private lesson. You’ll see me playing, pursing my lips, puffing out my cheeks, slipping in a tip. It’s living teaching, and that makes all the difference!
– The video follow-up that lets you send in your recording changes everything. Because we’ll have a real exchange around your game. As if I were on a training course with you.
– Support throughout the duration of your subscription is an opportunity to answer all your questions. It’s a chance to have a real teacher with you.
– Finally, depending on the formula chosen, the €30 reduction for a training course is not insignificant.
In short, on the one hand you have a learning manual (method), and on the other a course given by a teacher (training).
I've signed up for the free Continuous Breathing course. Do I really need this video training?
If you’ve recently signed up for the Continuous Breathing course, I strongly recommend you take the “The Art of the Didgeridoo” course. It will give you all the basics you need to develop your playing without getting into bad habits.
Other student testimonials
5/5
Based on more than 220 reviews
My name is Gauthier, and I'm the founder of Wakademy.
Who am I to tell you all these truths? So let me quickly introduce myself in a few lines.
My name is Gauthier Aubé, and I’ve been playing the didgeridoo for 20 years.
I’ve released two albums, given numerous concerts and had thousands of students around the world. I’ve had the good fortune to teach and play in most European countries, as far afield as Russia and Taiwan, via Lisbon, London, Budapest, Amsterdam, Berlin and so on!
Since launching Wakademy in 2018, I’ve mainly been giving courses in France, Switzerland and Belgium. Not out of chauvinism, but I try to limit my travels in the face of an increasingly battered planet.
So giving everyone the chance to learn the didgeridoo directly online seems to me to be a great alternative.
I’ve literally dedicated my life to the didgeridoo and I’m working hard to make learning this wonderful instrument accessible to as many people as possible.
That’s about it!
Try it, and if you don't like it, will refund your money.
I am confident in my work, but I want to make sure that you are satisfied with your purchase.
That’s why I’m giving you one month to test my training.
If you’re not satisfied, I’ll give you your money back on request by e-mail.
No questions asked.
Sign up and
start classes now!
- Unlimited access to training
- 12 progressive lessons
- 143 videos
- More than 7 hours of lessons
- 1 year of Q&A
- 6 accompanying videos
- 30€ discount for a training course
