Floor Wittink

My name is Floor Wittink and I am a professional classical saxophonist and breath coach. I have played in many projects, from chamber and symphonic music to musical theatre. Chamber music is a real passion of mine but I have also enjoyed various projects with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra and the Holland Opera. From early on, I liked to create new projects, combining classical chamber music with theatrical or social themes.

I am currently performing in the storytelling concert Misschien wisten zij alles (Perhaps they knew everything), in which I (simultaneously) play and tell stories. A challenge which has allowed me to rekindle my love of piano playing and develop skills in storytelling. In Perhaps they knew everything, stories by Toon Tellegen are combined with classical music played on the piano and sax.

My own search to improve my breathing technique led me to a more effortless way of breathing and breath support. Among my teachers was Feldenkrais practitioner and clarinettist Gerard Zuyderhoff with whom I collaborated with in making this course.

For over 35 years Gerard worked as a Feldenkrais practitioner at the conservatory in Zwolle and at the Theater College in Utrecht. He guided both voice as well as instrumental students to optimize their movement and breathing while practicing and performing.

Later on I studied to be a breathing coach as well, focusing more on therapeutic aspects of breathing.

My 20 years of experience in the education field, next to being a musician, led me to making this online course about breathing. It was not easy to make a clear overview of this vast subject but a nice challenge and with satisfying result. The great Feldenkrais exercises that Gerard offered are combined with the most valuable exercises that I use in my workshops and lessons.