In this course we work to meet the challenges of playing a string instrument with new tools and insights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We learn to activate your awareness and postural system to free your playing technique<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The menu below includes links to films or texts to help you plan your practice sessions. You practice at least 4 times a week for 15 minutes. Each time you pick two things to do: one warmup or tactic without our instrument, and one with your instrument. You will, over time, become more aware of how you are using your whole self when playing. You keep a diary of your practice sessions as part of your class work. In the last class you share your finding with the others in a short demonstration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
TOPICS: We focus in the class on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spinal spring in playing:<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Head<\/strong> forward and up<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eyes<\/strong> on the horizon + peripheral vision<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diaphragm, <\/strong>not stuck when vision wide and (music) task understood<\/p>\n\n\n\n Floor<\/strong> gives lift and spring to soles of feet<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chair <\/strong>supports sitting bones<\/p>\n\n\n\n Awareness of space <\/strong>around and behind you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gentle turn and nod of head<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n WITH YOUR INSTRUMENT:<\/strong> What you can do while playing:<\/u><\/p>\n\n\n\n Whispered Ah<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Walk<\/strong> backwards OR Rock <\/strong>backwards in chair to refresh your back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n STOP-GO-IMAGINE<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>looking outside<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lunge<\/strong> (violin)<\/p>\n\n\n\n To lift or place your instrument:<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Violin\/Viola:<\/em>\u00a0Instrument toss and throw<\/a> (shown with stick)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cello:<\/em>\u00a0Cello gymnastics<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bass: <\/em>Bass gymnastic with lunge<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bow games:<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n All strings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bow fencing<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Violin\/Viola:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tick Tock<\/a> (rotation of lower arm)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pillow fencing<\/a> (release of upper arm) using stick or fibreglass bow<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rest tip of bow with arm in open position<\/a> between phrases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Left flank stretch with instrument<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cello:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Bow tip resting on floor with arm in open position. see films above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Look at bow and then string, release bow to meet string. (rotation of lower arm)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rest tip of bow on floor with arm in open position between phrases. see films above<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bass:\u00a0<\/em>see films above<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bow tip resting on chair with arm in open position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Look at bow and then string, release bow to meet string. (rotation of lower arm)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rest tip of bow on chair with arm in open position between phrases.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n WITHOUT YOUR INSTRUMENT:<\/strong> WARM-UPS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n On Floor:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Daily prep and recovery:<\/u><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lie down<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Mermaid<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wake up spinal strength and flexibility: Lying on your stomach: Progressive head lift with use of eyes, push up to arch back, then go to \u201cchild position\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lie down with arms<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lie down with feet on wall<\/p>\n\n\n\n Standing:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Complete stretch:<\/u><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Space to breathe stretch<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Unpacking the musician<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Goddess spiral<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Murray Chair stretch<\/p>\n\n\n\n Slow unwind of tight muscles:<\/u><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Head to wall for spinal awareness<\/p>\n\n\n\n