I have noticed when I play, that when I go to breath, I take very short gasps for air. They are very shallow and I don't take in much air. I have started just taking time to take full, deep breaths so I have enough air to actually make a musical phrase. but, does anyone else have any good breathing exercises or tips that would maybe help me?

-Spencer

You need to leanr to take full breaths. You are already on the correct road. I tell my students to brathe in while saying the word "How". Keep your lower lip in position. Take as long as you need to get a good 80% - 90% full. Let your chest and back expand a little bit.

Take all the time you need to do this correctly when practicing, even in the middle of an etude. You will slowly learn to breathe in more quickly without making a sound.

Start running, if you don't already. It's fantastic for lung control and endurance. You'll also feel better when you're in good physical shape, which means you'll play better. I used to have short phrases and gasp for air, but I have noticed a tremendous difference in my phrasing and breath control since I've started running.

My flute professor runs half marathons and one of the top players in the studio runs three miles every morning. I think they're onto something...

holding a note for as long as possible really helps breathing and air control.