| My Epiphany | | | | musician, or simply just exerting your body in some |
| As a college music student, I am constantly looking for | | | | fashion, stretching can always help. With relaxed |
| ways to improve my playing. Although as musicians | | | | muscles also comes an increase in muscular |
| we are often more concerned about the instrument | | | | coordination making large and fine motor skills easier to |
| we are using to create the music, it is important to | | | | use. Stretching also increases the range of movement |
| remember that we must also take care of ourselves. | | | | in the joints, especially over time. By stretching |
| My teacher is a huge advocate for stretching before | | | | frequently, one can increase their range of mobility and |
| playing. At first I laughed at the idea. I considered | | | | will ultimately find it easier to play, especially during |
| stretching to be exclusive to athletes. Why would I, a | | | | technically difficult passages. With stretching also |
| wimpy music student, want to be concerned with | | | | comes an increase in blood circulation and an increase |
| contorting my body in different ways before I took my | | | | in energy levels. Ever wonder why stretching first thing |
| instrument out of the case? The answer was simple. I | | | | in the morning is a good thing? Stretching really gets |
| tried a few simple stretches before practicing one day | | | | the juices flowing! |
| and as if like magic, I had technical accuracy I had | | | | Take Care When Stretching |
| never experienced before. I do not consider myself to | | | | Remember that with stretching often comes dizziness. |
| be a very technically apt player, so this was a very | | | | If you ever get to this point, sit down and take a |
| pleasant surprise to say the least. My teacher | | | | moment to recollect. Putting your head between your |
| immediately noticed a difference. I had a bad habit of | | | | legs is always a good way to relieve the dizziness. |
| tensing up when I got to technically demanding | | | | Take your time when stretching because there is no |
| passages and today, I have nearly eliminated that habit | | | | reason to rush it! Often one can hurt themselves more |
| mainly through stretching. | | | | than help themselves if care is not taken. Stretch only |
| | | | to the point of mild discomfort. You should never be in |
| I recommend making stretching a part of your | | | | physical pain. If you have any concerns about how you |
| warm-up routine. Before you even take your | | | | are handling your stretching regimen, seek your doctor |
| instrument out of the case, go through a series of | | | | for advice. |
| stretches so as not to tempt yourself to play. A couple | | | | Vocalists |
| of stretches I like to do include neck rotations, shoulder | | | | This article has been mainly aimed toward the |
| rotations, placing my hand against a wall and moving | | | | instrumentalist, but vocalists can highly benefit from |
| the rest of my body a certain direction, touching my | | | | stretching as well. Just as a vocalist warms up and |
| toes, and many other things. Get creative and do | | | | stretches their vocal chords before singing, they must |
| stretches that will help with your particular instrument. I | | | | also stretch their entire body. When performing, |
| have also had lots of success with using some yoga | | | | vocalists are so much more vulnerable than |
| poses. I would recommend trying "downward facing | | | | instrumentalists because they have no instrument to |
| dog" (a yoga favorite!), "upward facing dog" (to | | | | hide behind. In actuality, they are the instrument. Good |
| increase spinal flexibility), and "bow pose" (to open the | | | | posture and stage presence is so vital to a great |
| chest). These are just a few that I have found to be | | | | performance (whether you are an instrumentalist or |
| very useful starting poses to use as stretches. If you | | | | vocalist). Stretching promotes good posture, a sense |
| have the time, I highly recommend getting into a more | | | | of relaxation both for the body and the mind, and |
| organized yoga routine before you play. I have found | | | | creates a lively and energetic mindset for everyone. |
| that I have benefited well in a musical sense and in | | | | Happy Stretching |
| other ways from practicing yoga regularly. | | | | For me, the results were instantaneous, but this is not |
| The Benefits | | | | true for everyone. Try to become consistent with your |
| As we all know, stretching reduces muscle tension and | | | | stretching and soon, you will notice a performer you |
| helps us to avoid injuries. Whether an athlete, a | | | | never thought was in you. Happy stretching! |