Didgeridoo

The didgeridoo is a tubular wind instrument invented by the Aborigines of Northern Australia. It is unique amongst wind instruments in that the musician does not need to stop playing in order to breathe. Using a technique called circular breathing, the player can refill his or her lungs while maintaining continuous sound.

Fast Facts

1. AKA: "Didjeridu," which is the spelling formally recognized by the Australian government
2. A didgeridoo makes a low droning sound that is thought to have inspired its Western name
3. Considered one of the oldest wind instruments on record
4. The average didgeridoo is just under four feet long
5. Circular breathing: Breathing in air through the nose while simultaneously exhaling through the mouth
6. In 2005 the British Medical Journal published a study that connected the strengthening of the muscles needed to practice circular breathing and play the didgeridoo with reduced snoring and sleep apnea

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