My Breath My Music is a FREE Internet guide for people with muscular disabilities and others who are looking for a way to     play a wind instrument.

The biggest target group are children who suffer from muscular diseases such as Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Duchenne (DMD) and others who have Muscular Dystrophy (MD). There is also a new target group of those who suffer from Tumors, Leukomalacia, Autosomal Dominant Cerebellar Atrophy (ADCA) and spinal chord injury.

I want to share my experiences of playing an instrument with this group of people on www.mybreathmymusic.com   In the first place my goal was to find a nice way to give breathing exercises (respiratory therapy) . Respiratory therapy is part of the physiotherapy in the Rehabilitation center where I work (Rijndam revalidatiecentrum Rotterdam)
As you can imagine using a wind instrument is a very nice way to do breathing exercises. But as I found out over the years there is much more to it if the best possible results are to be achieved. I made some easy to do adjustments on an electronic instrument, the Yamaha WX5 midi wind controller and noticed that the instrument was playable for my group of children, meaning that they could play tunes. As a matter of fact even the children with the least possibilities of the group could play the instrument. This is because you can play a full scale of notes (G, A, B, C, D, E, Fis, G) with one hand. And because of its wonderful Electronics the instrument can provide Maximum Sound with Minimum Effort!

Here is what  you need  start playing the WX5:  The Yamaha WX5 Wind MIDI Controller; The Yamaha VL70-m Virtual Acoustic Tone Generator; Powered desk top speakers; a microphone stand and some creativity. Willem uses materials from the hardwarestore. A paint-roller, a clamp and some PVC tubing! 

 You too can do it

"Hallo. My name is Sylvia Smit and I am 31 years of age. I was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (type2). I read a piece on breathing exercises with electronic wind instruments. I liked the idea. I used to do breathing exercises and found them boring: just breathe-in, breathe-out. I like music and I was looking for a hobby. So, I contacted Ruud van der Wel.

 Since last autumn I have been having lessons on the WX 5 every week. I play the instrument with one hand. The keys are very light to touch, so despite my muscle weakness I have no trouble playing. I gained a great hobby and it is good exercise for my lungs too!"

" Hallo. My name is Avram and I am 17 years of age. I have Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy. I am in highschool.When I was in 2nd year I got Breathing Exercises from Ruud. After a year  I was given an instrument on loan so I could play at home also.I enjoy learning new songs. There are not many things left I can do, but this is one thing I can do." 

It's a bit hard to buy a WX5 and  VL70 at this moment. There are no problems in the USA,Canada and Australia. Lately we bought our instruments mostly second handed. If you  have problems buying one,  please contact us, maybe we can help.

On www.mybreathmymusic.com you can download FREE sheetmusic. We have our own music notation  which is very easy to read.