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50 Hortense St
Glen Iris, VIC, 3146
Australia
0490 126 293
Practice of Jeremy Woolhouse, pianist and Alexander Technique Teacher in Melbourne, Australia
Specialist in working with musicians, RSI, posture re-education, neck, back and chronic pain management.
Monthly blog articles by Jeremy Woolhouse. Alexander Technique for daily life, music performance, specialised activities, pain relief and management.
Filtering by Tag: coordination
Instrumental technique may be considered as the interface between concept and sound. Our technical prowess determines how effectively our ideas flow from imagination, through the instrument, to the listener. The definitions we create of technique, guide our practice and teaching. They may be a liberating or limiting factor. We inevitably acquire a set of judgements around what is appropriate technique, and what is not.
Read MoreMoving from pain management and prevention of injury, to confidence, technical and musical proficiency at the piano.
Of all the instruments, piano may appear to have a most straightforward ergonomic. The pianist doesn’t have to hold the instrument, control breathing, deal with major symmetry challenges or contort for fingering. In spite of this, the rate of pain reported by pianists is high. Wrist pain, hand or forearm tension, tendinitis, carpal tunnel, frozen shoulder and back pain are commonly experienced by pianists.
Read MoreA fine balance is required in the performing arts. Attention must be divided among essential specifics, and simultaneously be united towards coordinated performance. Too much attention on one aspect is as disastrous as too little.
When musicians perform, we consciously initiate certain aspects of coordination and action. Many more processes are managed outside of our consciousness. Some, we can learn to become aware of, and we may learn to directly modify these.
Read MoreIn using Alexander Technique, one core principle is considered primary. The process of coordinating the head-spine relationship is essential to all other motion. The effective use of Alexander Technique pivots around how skilfully one can engage this coordination.
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Inevitably, students of Alexander Technique become aware of previously unrecognised habitual tensions. When interference with easeful movement or balance of tone is recognised, change for the better can be initiated. It may be tempting to perceive practice of Alexander Technique as based on looking for excess tension, then removing it. This potentially limiting view calls for an evaluation of process in using The Technique.
Read MoreAt the end of an Alexander Technique lesson, students may comment on a sense of lightness or ease and a mild bewilderment at how it came about. There are few instantaneous dramatic changes in sessions. The profound outcome comes about through an accumulation of small change. Understanding this, gives an insight into how Alexander Technique achieves what it does, and how one can practice with efficiency.
Read MoreIn my youth, I loved the rare opportunities for downhill skiing. There were what I considered inevitable bruises and soreness for days afterwards, but it was worth it for the thrill. After a twenty-two year hiatus, I returned to the slopes. the Alexander a Technique skills I have learnt during that time made an unexpected and remarkable impact.
Read MoreAlexander Technique cultivates skilful use of thought. It undeniably trains positive thinking. It differs, however, from other practices commonly grouped under the ‘positive thinking’ umbrella. Practicing Alexander Technique principles may help in assessing the value of other ‘positive thinking’ practices, and assist in making them constructive.
Read MoreThe Alexander Technique has a remarkable relevance to any vocation - be it trade, art or sport. It deals with fundamentals of human coordination and has a set of principles which organise specialised skills into a constructive framework. Effective prioritisation of attention is a characteristic of positive coordination. Many attempts to find relief from pain, or to improve performance, fail because a certain hierarchy is neglected.
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