Pre-Workshop Essay #2: "How To Relax Without Losing Your Ability To Play Fast Or Loud"
What happens in your body when you're playing really fast or loud?
Most musicians get tighter and tighter the louder and faster they play.
This is a problem on many levels, not least of which is that the excess muscle tension actually interferes with your ability to play fast and loud!
This is a crystal-clear example of the way you can "get in the way of yourself."
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The solution is obviously to relax - but how? Certainly not slumped-on-the-sofa relaxation.
No, we need to be upright, alert, and ready to play even the most demanding music.
The key is to "relax up."
When you "relax up" your whole body gets looser, but without slumping.
When you "relax up" you feel more alert, more aware, and more ready to play fast or loud.
When you "relax up" you're not "getting in the way of yourself" and you can actually play much, MUCH faster and louder than before, while still remaining relaxed.
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Want to learn how to "relax up" so you can play faster and louder and with more relaxation than you ever have before?
Then come to my Pain-Free Music workshop on 2/12 from 12-4 at Mt Airy Violins and Bows!
Special introductory rate of $35. Bring a friend and that person pays only $20. $5 off for paying in advance.
***Three out of six spots are already taken, so don't wait to contact me to reserve your spot.***
Cheers,
Joseph Arnold
Alexander Technique teacher, violinist, and founder of Pain-Free Music
Workshop info: