Breathers is a collection of pieces that guide your breath.

Written for string quartet, the contours of the sound bring you through different breathwork meditation techniques that each have a different effect on the mind and body.

Each piece begins with the inhale so hopefully it's easy to follow.
Try closing your eyes and let the music guide your breath in and out. It shouldn’t feel forced.

The music uses these breathwork techniques:

Coherent Breathing (5-second inhale, 5-second exhale) - reduces stress/anxiety and improves heart rate variability

Slow Exhale (3 or 4-second inhale, 6 or 8-second exhale) - deeply relaxing and activates the vagus nerve which helps to calm the nervous system and lower the heart rate

Box Breathing (4-second inhale, 4-second hold, 4-second exhale, 4-second hold) - helps to bring balance, improves mental clarity and focus

Breathing in and out through the nose is a good idea, although for longer exhales it’s often useful to breathe out through a small opening in the lips to help extend the breath.

And if all else fails, just keep breathing. 

Released on Little Magic Records - June 5th 2026

Performed by members of the Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra (string quartet)

Violin I: Luke Hsu
Violin II: Ann Miller
Viola: Arianna Smith
Cello: Rainer Crosett

Composed, Produced & Mixed by Alex Dowling

Mastering: Mike Tierney
Recording Engineer: Michael O'Brien
Recorded at Windmill Lane Recording Studios, Dublin

Album Artwork:
Image Credit: ©Piper Shepard, "In a World", 2022, hand-cut muslin, gesso
Photo Credit: Dan Meyers

Funded by the Arts Council of Ireland/An Chomhairle Ealaíon