As the title says,i have a shortness of breath when i play and i cant play any longer than 8 counts which effects me a lot and is holding me back...Are there exercises i can use to strengthen my lungs/breathe longer?

Hey there-
I'm a trombone major and had a lot of problems with this going into college. The things that have really helped me out are Coordination Training For Trombone by Bart Van Lier, and then both Brass Gym and Breathing Gym. If you do these on a consistant basis, your breath support will improve. Hope that helps!

Thanks,but is that a book?and breathing gym?is that a machine?

<Added>

i mean breathing tool

Brass Gym is a book. Breathing Gym is a book and/or a DVD. Both are very good. But consider that in the real world, you can only expand your lung capacity a small amount. What you can do is improve your efficiency when you play. How much breath do you think we waste flubbing attacks, fighting pitch, etc. I think you'll accomplish more focusing on how to make more out of the breath you have and not waste it.

Hmmm,sounds complicated.

Well, how long have you been playing? What kind of trombone do you have?

You might just not be breathing correctly.

Make sure that when you breathe you feel your stomach expand first, then your lungs...and DON"T raise your shoulders Practice this slowly. filling up as much as possible then holding it, and without releasing any air sip in a little more through your mouth and hold. repeat the sip once or twice more and then exhale (release) all the air.

Eventually work on breathing in in 4, 3, 2, and 1 counts.

also try this exercise and just blow fast consistent air through your horn WITHOUT making a sound.

You should also try practicing your music by just blowing air through the instrument without making a sound while moving the slide as if playing.

I hope this helps