Music Lesson: Body Language and Posture

The Importance of Body Language

I think your demeanor and posture are incredibly important as a musician.

• Using your body to maximum effect allows the sound from your instrument to be released very freely and naturally.
• In a chamber group, body language is crucial; the aura you project should transmit energy while also allowing you to receive it.

Music Stands

Often, people see music stands as a barrier between the performer and the audience, but we certainly don't want to view them as barriers between our beautiful musicians.

• Ideal Height:
  • Having your music stand at the correct height is perfect.
  • If it's too low, instruments may appear cramped, making it difficult to play.

Imagine if the stand were smaller, playing would feel quite cramped, wouldn't it?

Practicing with Confidence

You could allow a shy first violinist or recorder player to stand and be more aware of their posture, embracing a more soloistic approach.

• Activity:
  • Family, you wouldn't mind standing and imagining you were a soloist. Please play the beginning for me.
  • Response: "Lovely! How did that feel?"
    • It felt more free, and I was able to move around more freely.

Practical Tips for Musicians

• Practice Suggestions:
  • In their practice room, the teacher should encourage students to practice standing up.
  • They should also keep the feeling of freedom and incorporate it while practicing with the stand low.

Brief Word About Posture

When sitting down, these musicians should aim for stability.

• Foot Placement:
  • Both feet should be planted on the ground, providing a sense of stability.
    • This approach works the major muscle groups from the waist down and allows for more freedom in the upper body.

Peripheral Vision in Practice

In the practice room, students could work on their peripheral vision.

• Moving to a pianist, this concept applies to a bass quartet or any musician left or right of center.
• For example, if Nikki started to turn her head a lot, it might disrupt her and make her nervous about the notes, especially later in the piece when there are more complexities.

Recommendations for Practice:

• I would really suggest that in the practice room, she remains aware and practices moving her eyes away from the score. This will enhance her compatibility with the rest of the group.

This isn't always possible, and I personally prefer looking at the score while doing something else.

• Now, let's move on to discussing breath, which is our next topic.