Welcome to the class page for the Mind and Body Seminar
On this page is a summary of the concepts we will be working with, and links to readings and warm-ups.
In the course we are working on improving comfort and efficiency of your practice and reducing stress. To remember what is important we use the:
STATE-TASK-TACTIC system
In order to do your best work, you will focus on three aspects:
• What is your state?
• What is the task you want to carry out?
• What tactic will you use?
Practice tactics choices will be worked on in class and are listed here:
Elements of Musicianship:
TIME
- Identify the tempo & choose a slower pulse
- Alternating silence with sound
- Slow motion boring playing
- Stopping when it works!
- Frequent breaks
SPACE
- Wide visual field
- Wide physical field: stretch and move, then play again.
- Frames of attention: The whole instrument, the whole space, (micro-contacts)
- Control tower
- Spatial thinking in movement
EFFORT
- Half the effort
- Music Meeting
- Design a task
MUSIC
- What is it? Take time to look and understand.
- Reading the Score
- STOP-GO-IMAGINE
- Music Walk
- Wall waving
- Dance it
- Sing it
CRAFT
- Micro-contacts
- Cleaning the house
- Do only what is necessary
- Ergonomics
- The music is exciting; you are not excited
Readings:
For all reading options, see the Readings page
READINGS Chosen for this class are:
Motor-Neurology Menu for Expanding your practice
Impulse
Directing your attention
Focusing your mind
For all links to warm-ups and practice see the Flashcards page
WARM-UPS:
On Floor:
Dart: Mermaid
Dart: Progressive head lift with use of eyes child position yoga
- Add whispered Ah through three arm stretches, then in breath on fourth
- Add legs and arms in cat position, diagonally (L leg, R arm, etc.) then ballerina point Legs and arms.
Standing:
Head to wall for spinal awareness
Murray Chair stretch
Tai chi dishwasher stretch
Tai chi cat stretch
Yoga Warrior stretch
Demonstration films: You can also watch Students Demonstrate the tactics and warm-ups, (with their permission shared with you.)