“Playfulness and creativity go together like music and dance –
one sets the other in motion.”
–The Musician’s Way, p. 312
I just sent out the August 2010 issue of The Musician’s Way Newsletter.
My most extensive issue to date, it highlights online and technology resources for musicians and introduces a cutting-edge way that rising performers can get their music played on Internet radio alongside the tracks of established artists.
You can read the newsletter online via this link.
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Here’s a tip of the hat to my banana-crazed pals at MailChimp.com, who dispatched the emails with superhuman efficiency.
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Hi Karen – Thanks for picking up a copy of The Musician’s Way and contributing to this blog.
First, sorry to hear about your thumb – here’s wishing you a swift, complete recovery. But you bring up important points about the processes that can lead to injury:
1) Excess tension and physical misalignment aren’t the only causes of playing-related injuries. Instrumentalists who don’t take frequent breaks, for instance, can wear their tissues down even if they play with effortless techniques. The reason is explained on p. 232 of The Musician’s Way, second paragraph.
2) Most people have faulty perceptions of their tension levels; instruction in Alexander technique or the Feldenkrais method helps musicians become aware of their movement patterns and acquire fluid habits.
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Second, starting a group sounds like a terrific idea. To begin with, apply the guidelines for forming a musical group found on p. 127-129 of TMW – in particular, be sure that you and your colleagues verbally answer the 12 listed questions in front of each other. Then, employ the suggestions for maintaining a professional culture on p. 115-117 and periodically meet before or after rehearsals to verify that you’re on the same page. One tip from p. 117: help each other feel successful.
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Good luck!
I have been reading your book and I have learned so much!
I injured my right hand, (thumb)due to tendonitis and right now it’s healing. I didn’t realize how much tension I had because I felt relaxed, so I am a little puzzled.
I have question about forming a musical group. I am in the stages of getting a few people together ( me and three others), just to play for enjoyment and for me to gain additional experience and confidence in playing.
What are some strategies I can do to be sure that this group will remain just for fun ?
Thank you for all of your insights, Karen Jennings