The Feldenkrais Method for Instrumentalists: A Guide to Awareness through Movement

Musicians are athletes who train their bodies, coordinate their reflexes, and train their minds to perfect a balance of strength, skills, and agility. The Feldenkrais Method is a movement-based self-discovery process that aims to reduce the chance of injury and speed up recovery time. The movements are simple, gentle, pleasant, exploratory, and fun, and are usually repeated a number of times to clarify and enhance performance. Samuel H. Nelson and Elizabeth Blades provide a guide to the Feldenkrais Method tailored specifically for instrumentalists, including many Awareness Through Movement activities and case studies/examples specific to different instrument types.

Format: Hardback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 11 January 2024
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Musicians, like athletes, are dedicated to perfecting their craft. They train their bodies, coordinate their reflexes, and sharpen their minds to achieve a harmonious balance of strength, skills, and agility. The intricate and demanding movements required in music often lead to unnatural and challenging positions, putting instrumentalists at risk of injury. However, when movement and task are seamlessly coordinated, the musician-athlete enters a state of "the zone" or "the flow," a magical realm where art and athleticism converge.

The Feldenkrais Method, a movement-based self-discovery process, is a powerful tool for musicians seeking to optimize their performance and minimize the risk of injury. Developed by Moshe Feldenkrais, this method focuses on organizing the individual to perform with minimal effort and maximum efficiency. The movements used in the Feldenkrais Method are gentle, pleasant, and exploratory, emphasizing the "how to" of the movement rather than the "how much, how fast, or how hard."

To cater specifically to instrumentalists, Samuel H. Nelson and Elizabeth Blades have authored a comprehensive guide titled "Awareness Through Movement for Instrumentalists." This book offers a wealth of Awareness Through Movement activities and case studies/examples tailored to different instrument types. By incorporating these practices, instrumentalists can enhance their performance, improve their flexibility, and reduce the likelihood of injury.

In conclusion, every musician is an athlete, and the Feldenkrais Method provides a valuable framework for optimizing performance and preventing injuries. By embracing the principles of movement and coordination, musicians can unlock their full potential and achieve a state of artistic excellence that blends seamlessly with physical prowess.

Weight: 667g
Dimension: 263 x 184 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538182581