Re: Musicians - how useful is Alexander Technique? Feldenkrais?
Oooh, this man is evil.
I like that.
George ("a pun is the lowest form of humor,
especially is someone beats you to it" -- Oscar Levant) Robinson
Alas, where is human nature so weak as in a
bookstore?-Henry Ward Beecher
- Original Message -
From:
Jacob and Nancy Bloom
To: World music from a Jewish slant
Sent: Tuesday, June 17, 2003 11:35
PM
Subject: Re: Musicians - how useful is
Alexander Technique? Feldenkrais?
I wouldn't say this discussion is
OT.
I would say it has more to do with
PT.
Jacob (I'm sorry, I'm sorry, but I couldn't
resist) Bloom
- Original Message -
I've done Alexander technique, but I'm not an
instrumentalist so I'm not sure how useful my experience would be. I found
it enormously helpful in several ways (not the least of them being that it
brought my height from 5-7-1/4 to 5-8). I'm considering acupuncture for my
neck, hand and arm pain, all of which is computer related. I'd like to hear
more, although this is rather OT, isn't it.
George (no, I'm 5-8) Robinson
Re: Musicians - how useful is Alexander Technique? Feldenkrais?
I hate to do it this way, but this website does a much better job of explaining Alexander than I can: http://www.alexandertechnique.com/at.htm For those who don't want to bother using the link, in a nutshell the Alexander Technique is designed to teach you to release tension in your body by making subtle adjustments in how you move and hold yourself. Sorry if that sounds very New-Agey; in reality, it's a very practical and scientifically sound training. George (Still 5-8) Robinson Alas, where is human nature so weak as in a bookstore? -Henry Ward Beecher - Original Message - From: Lori Cahan-Simon [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: World music from a Jewish slant [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, June 16, 2003 9:19 PM Subject: Re: Musicians - how useful is Alexander Technique? Feldenkrais? Would someone be kind enough to explain alexander and feldenkrais to the uninitiated? Lorele George Robinson wrote: I've done Alexander technique, but I'm not an instrumentalist so I'm not sure how useful my experience would be. I found it enormously helpful in several ways (not the least of them being that it brought my height from 5-7-1/4 to 5-8). I'm considering acupuncture for my neck, hand and arm pain, all of which is computer related. I'd like to hear more, although this is rather OT, isn't it. George (no, I'm 5-8) Robinson Alas, where is human nature so weak as in a bookstore? -Henry Ward Beecher - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To: World music from a Jewish slant mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, June 16, 2003 7:00 PM Subject: Re: Musicians - how useful is Alexander Technique? Feldenkrais? In a message dated 6/16/2003 5:58:13 PM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Also accupuncture and what is called sacro crainal massage. Both of these are useful. Especially someone who has dealt with sports injuries, because musician injuries can have similar symptomology as sports injuries, because of repetive motion. I agree. I had very good experiences with acupuncture in the neck for shoulder pain/carpal tunnel. (Oy! So vot can I kvetch about now?!) Lori @ MAX -- You can now hear Lori's new CD, Songs My Bubbe Should Have Taught Me; Vol.1: Passover, at: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/lcahan Only $15 postage. Email me for more info. -- [EMAIL PROTECTED] -+ Hosted by Shamash: The Jewish Network http://shamash.org A service of Hebrew College, which offers online courses and an online MA in Jewish Studies, http://hebrewcollege.edu/online/ * * FREE JEWISH LEARNING * * Shamash invites you to join MyJewishLearning.com, a comprehensive, objective, authoritative and interactive learning resource in all areas of Judaism. Free membership via http://www.myjewishlearning.com/shamash -- [EMAIL PROTECTED] -=
Re: Musicians - how useful is Alexander Technique? Feldenkrais?
I wouldn't say this discussion is OT. I would say it has more to do with PT. Jacob (I'm sorry, I'm sorry, but I couldn't resist) Bloom - Original Message - I've done Alexander technique, but I'm not an instrumentalist so I'm not sure how useful my experience would be. I found it enormously helpful in several ways (not the least of them being that it brought my height from 5-7-1/4 to 5-8). I'm considering acupuncture for my neck, hand and arm pain, all of which is computer related. I'd like to hear more, although this is rather OT, isn't it. George (no, I'm 5-8) Robinson
Re: Musicians - how useful is Alexander Technique? Feldenkrais?
Also accupuncture and what is called sacro crainal massage. Both of these are useful. Especially someone who has dealt with sports injuries,because musician injuries can have similar symptomology as sports injuries, because of repetive motion. Trudi Goodman From: glenn tamir <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: World music from a Jewish slant <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: Musicians - how useful is Alexander Technique? Feldenkrais? Date: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 19:05:49 -0700 (PDT) I have been told that Alexander is a required course/elective at Julliard. My wife, while not a musician, was cured of an acute back problem following a bout of Lyme Disease by the Alexander Technique. She was carried into the office and was able to walk out on her own. Did you also know that there are more schools that teach Alexander in Israel than in any other country in the world?! Glenn Tamir Gwynne Sigel <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote: As a singer I have found the alexander technique to be very helpful in building my awareness of how I am using my body and my instrument . I would definitely recommend it. In the mean time, Ruth, I would love to learn more about how the alexander technique can be integrated/ combined with cranio -sacral work. Please send me your email address. Mine is [EMAIL PROTECTED] Gwynne Sigel At 11:11 PM 6/9/03 -0400, Jordan Hirsch wrote: I definitely use techniques from the Alexander method in my trumpet playing. Jordan hirsch [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: A little off-topic, but I thought I'd share an exercise that has helped me a great deal as a singer. It was taught to me by a speech therapist. 1) While sitting, expel all the air from your lungs by leaning forward and breathing out completely. (Only do this while sitting--it can make you a little dizzy!) 2) Inhale as deeply as possible while sitting back up. 3) Now, exhale as slowly as possible (goal: 1 minute) by release the air through pursed lips, making a sound like a punctured tire. (While we were doing this before a show, the trumpet player walked by and said, "Hmm...the singers are leaking!) After doing this, I find that my diaphragm is more supportive of my voice, and that it naturally rings more in its (higher) register than my speaking voice. I suggested this exercise to a friend who plays shofar on Yom Kippur, and he outlasted the other shofar blowers! (The spectacle of "who can blow the longest tikiya g'dola at the end of Yom Kippur" is a highlight of our services.) Lori @ MAX KLEZSKA - part of the next wave in Jewish music www.klezska.com - Do you Yahoo!? Free online calendar with sync to Outlook(TM). MSN 8 helps ELIMINATE E-MAIL VIRUSES. Get 2 months FREE*. -- [EMAIL PROTECTED] -+ Hosted by Shamash: The Jewish Network http://shamash.org A service of Hebrew College, which offers online courses and an online MA in Jewish Studies, http://hebrewcollege.edu/online/ * * FREE JEWISH LEARNING * * Shamash invites you to join MyJewishLearning.com, a comprehensive, objective, authoritative and interactive learning resource in all areas of Judaism. Free membership via http://www.myjewishlearning.com/shamash -- [EMAIL PROTECTED] -=
Re: Musicians - how useful is Alexander Technique? Feldenkrais?
In a message dated 6/16/2003 5:58:13 PM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Also accupuncture and what is called sacro crainal massage. Both of these are useful. Especially someone who has dealt with sports injuries, because musician injuries can have similar symptomology as sports injuries, because of repetive motion. I agree. I had very good experiences with acupuncture in the neck for shoulder pain/carpal tunnel. (Oy! So vot can I kvetch about now?!) Lori @ MAX
Re: Musicians - how useful is Alexander Technique? Feldenkrais?
Would someone be kind enough to explain alexander and feldenkrais to the uninitiated? Lorele George Robinson wrote: I've done Alexander technique, but I'm not an instrumentalist so I'm not sure how useful my experience would be. I found it enormously helpful in several ways (not the least of them being that it brought my height from 5-7-1/4 to 5-8). I'm considering acupuncture for my neck, hand and arm pain, all of which is computer related. I'd like to hear more, although this is rather OT, isn't it. George (no, I'm 5-8) Robinson Alas, where is human nature so weak as in a bookstore? -Henry Ward Beecher - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To: World music from a Jewish slant mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, June 16, 2003 7:00 PM Subject: Re: Musicians - how useful is Alexander Technique? Feldenkrais? In a message dated 6/16/2003 5:58:13 PM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Also accupuncture and what is called sacro crainal massage. Both of these are useful. Especially someone who has dealt with sports injuries, because musician injuries can have similar symptomology as sports injuries, because of repetive motion. I agree. I had very good experiences with acupuncture in the neck for shoulder pain/carpal tunnel. (Oy! So vot can I kvetch about now?!) Lori @ MAX -- You can now hear Lori's new CD, Songs My Bubbe Should Have Taught Me; Vol.1: Passover, at: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/lcahan Only $15 postage. Email me for more info. -- [EMAIL PROTECTED] -+ Hosted by Shamash: The Jewish Network http://shamash.org A service of Hebrew College, which offers online courses and an online MA in Jewish Studies, http://hebrewcollege.edu/online/ * * FREE JEWISH LEARNING * * Shamash invites you to join MyJewishLearning.com, a comprehensive, objective, authoritative and interactive learning resource in all areas of Judaism. Free membership via http://www.myjewishlearning.com/shamash -- [EMAIL PROTECTED] -=
Re: Musicians - how useful is Alexander Technique? Feldenkrais?
Hmm - ok since folks responded to the list intstead to me let me say your input is welcome; I have heard many good things about Alexander for musicians myself; having had need of several orthopedic surgeries myself I am always interested in finding ways of staying orthopedically healthy (a drink now and then can be helpful, frankly, if low tech); and I may well look into it despite my usual skepticism about alternative (what a loaded word!) treatments. I will also mention that when I used to play comp for a Cape Breton (old style Scots) fiddler, she would take herself off for Rolfing every time the shoulder started locking up. *That* struck me as a real cultish thing, but in fact it did her much good. I guess my main comment on Rolfing is that they put way too much stock in the number ten. As do some others I know. -- r l reid[EMAIL PROTECTED] -- [EMAIL PROTECTED] -+ Hosted by Shamash: The Jewish Network http://shamash.org A service of Hebrew College, which offers online courses and an online MA in Jewish Studies, http://hebrewcollege.edu/online/ * * FREE JEWISH LEARNING * * Shamash invites you to join MyJewishLearning.com, a comprehensive, objective, authoritative and interactive learning resource in all areas of Judaism. Free membership via http://www.myjewishlearning.com/shamash -- [EMAIL PROTECTED] -=
Re: Musicians - how useful is Alexander Technique? Feldenkrais?
As a singer I have found the alexander technique to be very helpful in building my awareness of how I am using my body and my instrument . I would definitely recommend it. In the mean time, Ruth, I would love to learn more about how the alexander technique can be integrated/ combined with cranio -sacral work. Please send me your email address. Mine is [EMAIL PROTECTED] Gwynne Sigel At 11:11 PM 6/9/03 -0400, Jordan Hirsch wrote: I definitely use techniques from the Alexander method in my trumpet playing. Jordan hirsch [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: A little off-topic, but I thought I'd share an exercise that has helped me a great deal as a singer. It was taught to me by a speech therapist. 1) While sitting, expel all the air from your lungs by leaning forward and breathing out completely. (Only do this while sitting--it can make you a little dizzy!) 2) Inhale as deeply as possible while sitting back up. 3) Now, exhale as slowly as possible (goal: 1 minute) by release the air through pursed lips, making a sound like a punctured tire. (While we were doing this before a show, the trumpet player walked by and said, Hmm...the singers are leaking!) After doing this, I find that my diaphragm is more supportive of my voice, and that it naturally rings more in its (higher) register than my speaking voice. I suggested this exercise to a friend who plays shofar on Yom Kippur, and he outlasted the other shofar blowers! (The spectacle of who can blow the longest tikiya g'dola at the end of Yom Kippur is a highlight of our services.) Lori @ MAX -- [EMAIL PROTECTED] -+ Hosted by Shamash: The Jewish Network http://shamash.org A service of Hebrew College, which offers online courses and an online MA in Jewish Studies, http://hebrewcollege.edu/online/ * * FREE JEWISH LEARNING * * Shamash invites you to join MyJewishLearning.com, a comprehensive, objective, authoritative and interactive learning resource in all areas of Judaism. Free membership via http://www.myjewishlearning.com/shamash -- [EMAIL PROTECTED] -=
Re: Musicians - how useful is Alexander Technique? Feldenkrais?
I have been told that Alexander is a required course/elective at Julliard. My wife, while not a musician, was cured of an acute back problem following a bout of Lyme Disease by the Alexander Technique. She was carried into the office and was able to walk out on her own. Did you also know that there are more schools that teach Alexander in Israel than in any other country in the world?! Glenn TamirGwynne Sigel [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: As a singer I have found the alexander technique to be very helpful in building my awareness of how I am using my body and my instrument . I would definitely recommend it.In the mean time, Ruth, I would love to learn more about how the alexander technique can be integrated/ combined with cranio -sacral work. Please send me your email address.Mine is [EMAIL PROTECTED]Gwynne SigelAt 11:11 PM 6/9/03 -0400, Jordan Hirsch wrote:I definitely use techniques from the Alexander method in my trumpetplaying.Jordan hirsch[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: A little off-topic, but I thought I'd share an exercise that has helped me a great deal as a singer. It was taught to me by a speech therapist. 1) While sitting, expel all the air from your lungs by leaning forward and breathing out completely. (Only do this while sitting--it can make you a little dizzy!) 2) Inhale as deeply as possible while sitting back up. 3) Now, exhale as slowly as possible (goal: 1 minute) by release the air through pursed lips, making a sound like a punctured tire. (While we were doing this before a show, the trumpet player walked by and said, "Hmm...the singers are leaking!) After doing this, I find that my diaphragm is more supportive of my voice, and that it naturally rings more in its (higher) register than my speaking voice. I suggested this exercise to a friend who plays shofar on Yom Kippur, and he outlasted the other shofar blowers! (The spectacle of "who can blow the longest tikiya g'dola at the end of Yom Kippur" is a highlight of our Do you Yahoo!? Free online calendar with sync to Outlook(TM).
Re: Musicians - how useful is Alexander Technique? Feldenkrais?
I definitely use techniques from the Alexander method in my trumpet playing. Jordan hirsch [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: A little off-topic, but I thought I'd share an exercise that has helped me a great deal as a singer. It was taught to me by a speech therapist. 1) While sitting, expel all the air from your lungs by leaning forward and breathing out completely. (Only do this while sitting--it can make you a little dizzy!) 2) Inhale as deeply as possible while sitting back up. 3) Now, exhale as slowly as possible (goal: 1 minute) by release the air through pursed lips, making a sound like a punctured tire. (While we were doing this before a show, the trumpet player walked by and said, Hmm...the singers are leaking!) After doing this, I find that my diaphragm is more supportive of my voice, and that it naturally rings more in its (higher) register than my speaking voice. I suggested this exercise to a friend who plays shofar on Yom Kippur, and he outlasted the other shofar blowers! (The spectacle of who can blow the longest tikiya g'dola at the end of Yom Kippur is a highlight of our services.) Lori @ MAX -- [EMAIL PROTECTED] -+ Hosted by Shamash: The Jewish Network http://shamash.org A service of Hebrew College, which offers online courses and an online MA in Jewish Studies, http://hebrewcollege.edu/online/ * * FREE JEWISH LEARNING * * Shamash invites you to join MyJewishLearning.com, a comprehensive, objective, authoritative and interactive learning resource in all areas of Judaism. Free membership via http://www.myjewishlearning.com/shamash -- [EMAIL PROTECTED] -=
Re: Musicians - how useful is Alexander Technique? Feldenkrais?
Yes! I have used both techniques as a musician and actor. It helps SO MUCH with physical stress and breathing. Something that performers "forget" to do all the time when they are playing and/or singing. I found that Feldenkrais although a bit mysterious as to how it actually works...is very good for posture and emotional blocks in the body. Here's a great place to start: Body Learning: An Introduction to the Alexander Technique by Michael J. Gelb, Laura Huxley It's a fairly good intro to the subject of Alexander Technique. I also saw that on Amazon.com there were a number of books specifically for musicians using the Alexander Technique. The Potent Self: A Study of Spontaneity and Compulsion -- by Moshe Feldenkrais, et al; Paperback Buy new: $10.47 -- Used new from: $10.42 2.Awareness Through Movement: Easy-to-Do Health Exercises to Improve Your Posture, Vision, Imagination, and Personal Awareness -- by Moshe Feldenkrais (Author); Paperback Buy new: $11.20 -- Used new from: $8.45 3. Singing With Your Whole Self: The Feldenkrais Method and Voice -- by Samuel H. Nelson, et al; Textbook Binding Buy new: $29.95 -- Used new from: $19.95 Trudi Goodman STOP MORE SPAM with the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE* -- [EMAIL PROTECTED] -+ Hosted by Shamash: The Jewish Network http://shamash.org A service of Hebrew College, which offers online courses and an online MA in Jewish Studies, http://hebrewcollege.edu/online/ * * FREE JEWISH LEARNING * * Shamash invites you to join MyJewishLearning.com, a comprehensive, objective, authoritative and interactive learning resource in all areas of Judaism. Free membership via http://www.myjewishlearning.com/shamash -- [EMAIL PROTECTED] -=
