Musician's Workshop

Everything you do in playing your instrument, as in all coordinated actions, is a complex process that begins with intention. In this case musical intention which requires the coordination of a series of movements involving changes in weight, speed, orientation in space, eye-hand coordination and adaptations to gravity. When any of these are inefficient, it results in unnecessary friction wear and tear on the muscular-skeletal system and less than optimal results.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Are you satisfied with your playing?
• Can you express your musical intentions to your satisfaction?
• Is your practice efficient?
• Do you know what to change to get a better result?
• Do you suffer from playing-related injuries or pain?

The Feldenkrais Method® uses gentle, slow movements to develop and refine the ability to sense subtle changes in quality. This tool of awareness makes possible more efficient and expanded choices that can prevent or heal injuries and improve performance. Learning is done through experiment and attention to ease and comfort rather than effort. Interest is in How you do what you do rather than on the accomplishment of any particular action.
This workshop will help you become more aware of the intimate relationship between the way you use yourself and the music you create. This enhanced awareness can support the ability to express musical intention.

In this introductory workshop we will lay the groundwork and provide tools to help you continue learning and improving. You will:

• Find support from the ground through your skeleton.
• Gain proportional use of muscles: Using the large central muscles to free the use of arms and hands.
• Maintain an ease of breath throughout performance.
• Shift weight smoothly to improve sound.
• Improve the coordinated use of eyes, arms, and body.
• Improve your sense of orientation in space.

The workshop, taught live online on April 26, 2020, is now available as an online course!
Click and come to our online learning platform. 

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About the Instructors
Alice Friedman, MA, Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, experienced Assistant Trainer, Registered Psychologist, and dancer has explored the intersections of motion and emotion her entire life. In her professional life she has investigated ways of integrating movement, awareness and sensory experience into many fields including performing arts. She has offered workshops for musicians and other performing artists at all levels. Alice has also organized two Victoria Feldenkrais® Teacher Training Programs, and is now part of a team organizing a training in Kelowna B.C. She maintains a private practice on Salt Spring Island and Victoria, British Columbia.

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Sandra Bradshaw, PDP, Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner has an extensive background in music and education. Her training as an Orff Music for Children teacher has provided an informative base for her Feldenkrais practice. She has had a private practice in Kelowna, British Columbia since 1999 and has presented workshops on a variety of topics including music and yoga. Movement. She has helped clients improve performance and helped them connect with their creative side. Sandra is now part of the team organizing a training in Kelowna B.C.

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