It is very common for performers to encounter all kinds of tensions during a musical performance. One example of this is physical tension caused by both internal and external situations. This tension may also arise from a lack of connection with your own body and physical preparation prior to any kind of musical performance. As a result, it is likely that your body will become accustomed to playing your instrument with a certain level of tension. It may even seem that this stiffness is a part of your musical technique.
A body in tension will make both technical and musical challenges more difficult to cope with in your daily music practice. For example, if in your daily study you find it hard to make a particular change of position, this will be even more difficult if your shoulders are stiff and raised. But if they are relaxed and strong, the same change will be much easier and more precise. This is why it is essential to have good muscle tone to be able to play free of tension.
The differences between a tense body and a relaxed one are noticeable. For example, a tense body will not only make you feel stiff but will also provoke feelings such as anxiety, frustration, agitation and even palpitations when playing. On the other hand, a relaxed body will help you feel centred and will give you the energy you need to play. And you will feel that you are inside rather than outside your body, which will make playing a time of total enjoyment.
The first step towards re-educating your physical awareness is to start observing your posture both in your daily practice and in your everyday activities. To awaken your physical awareness, try the following exercise:
- In a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted, sit down in a chair with your feet on the floor and your back straight. Your legs should be slightly lower than your waist.
- Place a hand on your abdomen and take a few slow, deep breaths. Count out 4 beats while inhaling, hold your breath for 2 beats and exhale for 4 beats. This form of breathing will help you to relax and develop a connection between mind and body.
- Consciously relax every part of your body, starting with you feet and finishing with the top of your head. If you feel any part of your body tense, breathe more at this point, releasing any accumulated stress in your body.
- Turn your head slowly from left to right and back again. Locate tension points and focus on them, taking slow, deep abdominal breaths to release the accumulated tension. If necessary, pleace your hands on your abdomen to better feel your breathing.
- At the end of the exercise, inhale deeply and exhale an “ahhh”, letting go of any remaining tension in your body. Do this 3 times. Then stand up and walk around the room, looking straight ahead of you and observing every part of your body at each step you take.
On completing the above steps, you will notice that your whole body is more relaxed and toned. You will feel all your body weight go down to your feet, your back will be straight, your chest will open allowing your shoulders to fall naturally, and your neck will feel lighter. It is a way of aligning the body, and this alignment can accompany you throughout the day both in your music practice and in your everyday activities.
This type of basic practice should be carried out before playing your musical instrument.
This will give you an awareness of your body before studying and will make practising easier. It is also a good idea to do this exercise after practising to tone and relax your muscles once again.
Think of athletes and how for them it is so important not only to warm up before their practice but also to relax and stretch after they’re done. Playing an instrument involves considerable physical work; the fact that we don’t move our bodies like athletes do is deceptive, because the muscular movement we need to play a musical instrument is more complex than it appears. This is why developing physical awareness and strengthening your body are essential ingredients to establish a solid technique and to look after your body, mind and soul.
This post is also available in: Spanish