Essential skills for promoting a lifelong love of music and music making: developing the fundamental skill: healthful, injury-preventive technique: Part 2 of 4.

Essential skills for promoting a lifelong love of music and music making: developing the fundamental skill: healthful, injury-preventive technique: Part 2 of 4. IntroductionConsider the feelings you have when a performance has gone well andyou've really connected with the audience. Successful at projectingyour excitement and love of a composition to the audience, your face isflushed, your heart is beating fast and every inch of you feels alive.Those same emotions also can result from giving an exhilarating lesson.We teach and perform because the love of music has transformed ourlives.We all wish our students a lifetime of joyous music making, yet, inspite of our best efforts, countless students suffer injuries thatprevent them from reaching this goal. A medical subspecialty subspecialty,n a limited portion of a narrowly defined professional discipline. E.g., surgery is a specialty of medicine and pediatric vascular surgery is a subspecialty. has arisenin recent years to help performers in all disciplines regain the abilityto practice their craft. Performing arts medicine performing arts medicineA developing subspeciality of occupational medicine that formally addresses the medical complaints of those who toot, tickle, trill, or tap, playing musical instruments, warbling, or dancing Common problems Those of a specific muscle-tendon is a growing fieldwith, sadly, more than enough injured performers to fill the practice.Although medical professionals can be very helpful, there is evenbetter news. Musicians also are getting onboard, taking control of theirdestiny by becoming better educated about ergonomics ergonomics,the engineering science concerned with the physical and psychological relationship between machines and the people who use them. The ergonomicist takes an empirical approach to the study of human-machine interactions. and injurypreventive techniques.The National Association of Schools of Music The National Association of Schools of Music, NASM, was founded in 1924 and is an accreditor for higher education music school in the United States of America. The association currently accredit 610 institutions of higher learning. (the nationalaccrediting body for music schools) now is mandating the inclusion ofwellness information into the music curriculum of music majors. Musicschools have begun to include information to help music students learnhow to maintain their physical and psychological well-being psychological well-beingResearch A nebulous legislative term intended to ensure that certain categories of lab animals, especially primates, don't 'go nuts' as a result of experimental design or conditions . As studentsbegin their careers, they will pass this information on to theirstudents, creating a vital link for wellness.In technique, as in most things, an ounce of prevention is worth apound of cure. For music teachers, this means teaching ergonomicallycorrect, pain-free movement techniques from the very beginning of study.Developing a healthy technique has been the passion and life work ofBarbara Lister-Sink, the author of this article. She explores theessential skill--the ability to perform with physical ease and technicalefficiency. She offers AMT See vPro. readers invaluable information we hope youwill find beneficial enough to integrate into your own teaching andperforming. Barbara lists some wonderful resources in her article forfurther investigation.As I write, a colossal earthquake has disturbed the earth'srotation The Earth's rotation is the rotation of the solid earth around its own axis, which is called Earth's axis or rotation axis. The earth rotates towards the east, which can be observed by orientation with a magnetic compass at sunrise. ; a tsunami, as well as war, bizarre weather, famine anddisease, has destroyed untold lives. Our planet, this resplendent re��splen��dent?adj.Splendid or dazzling in appearance; brilliant.[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin resplend blue,green and white sphere, is traveling in a vast universe while tragicevents unfold, impossible to ignore.In the face of global chaos, why even write about such a relativelyinsignificant topic as a healthful health��fuladj.1. Conducive to good health; salutary.2. Healthy.healthful��ness n. , injury-preventive technique? Why,indeed. Because music has sustained us through the worst--and best--oftimes, since the dawn of humankind. Members of a global community,musicians have always been citizens of the world, peacemakers This article is about the pacifist organization. For other meanings, see Peacemaker (disambiguation). Peacemakers was an American pacifist organization. , bridgebuilders and healers. Technique is the absolute foundation upon whichour music-making rests. Lacking that essential foundation, one riskslosing the ability to make music freely and to serve humanityeffectively. We also suffer the devastating dev��as��tate?tr.v. dev��as��tat��ed, dev��as��tat��ing, dev��as��tates1. To lay waste; destroy.2. To overwhelm; confound; stun: was devastated by the rude remark. effects of losing our ownmusical "voice," as one keyboardist poignantly describes: "As a young child, I was forced to pull my fingers apart to develop a bigger span and to raise high, curled and tight fingers to develop independence. Technique was just about fingers. When I started practicing more in music school, I developed an injury and couldn't even do daily activities. Not being able to play the piano was devastating. The loneliness and sense of isolation and defeat were overwhelming. I thought of quitting school and the music profession altogether."This should never have happened, but it does happen to musicians ona daily basis. Surveys consistently reveal that 50 to 75 percent ofmusicians have suffered playing-related discomfort, pain, injury ordysfunction at some point in their musical lives. That rate of injury isequaled only by misconceptions, ignorance and misinformation mis��in��form?tr.v. mis��in��formed, mis��in��form��ing, mis��in��formsTo provide with incorrect information.mis regardingtechnique.As a result, numerous talented and dedicated musicians collide col��lide?intr.v. col��lid��ed, col��lid��ing, col��lides1. To come together with violent, direct impact.2. witha wall of pain, injury and dysfunction. Many who never will sufferinjury may diminish their potential as fully expressive musicians forlack of a healthful technique.The good news is that the information and knowledge needed to builda healthful technique, and even eradicate injuries, is available. Thefields of music medicine and technology have added scientific validationto successful pedagogical ped��a��gog��ic? also ped��a��gog��i��caladj.1. Of, relating to, or characteristic of pedagogy.2. Characterized by pedantic formality: a haughty, pedagogic manner. approaches, past and present. Articles, books,videos, websites and workshops on injury-preventive technique abound.However, it is a daunting daunt?tr.v. daunt��ed, daunt��ing, dauntsTo abate the courage of; discourage. See Synonyms at dismay.[Middle English daunten, from Old French danter, from Latin task to sift through and organize thisinformation for one's own teaching and to discover thecommonalities among so many sources.Someday soon, this formidable challenge may be met, I believe,through a collective, national effort to define the principles ofhealthful technique; to develop reliable methods for producingreplicable, consistent technical results; and to disseminate thisinformation in an understandable, appropriate manner to all musicians.* TECHNICAL TRUTHSCollective technical wisdom from teachers and methods, both pastand present, can be summarized in certain fundamental"truths."* Technique is the means by which we make music, and the veryfoundation on which we build our music making. It is not what we play orsing, but how.* Healthful technique is the best coordination of the whole body,directed by the mind, with the instrument.* Healthful technique must be based on sound biomechanical Biomechanical may refer to: Bioengineering Biomaterial Biomechanical (band) Biomechanics Biomechanoid Biorobotics Bioship Cyborg Organic (model) principles. This will eliminate confusion or disagreement and ensureaccurate, reliable and consistent principles for future generations ofmusicians.* Technique based on sound biomechanics The study of the anatomical principles of movement. Biomechanical applications on the computer employ stick modeling to analyze the movement of athletes as well as racing horses. Biomechanicsserves individual artistryand all stylistic requirements.Historically, musicians have believed that a standardized technicalapproach would dull artistry and not serve all styles. Soundbiomechanics facilitate style and enhance individual musicianship.* Technique, as physical coordination, must be taught through thesenses--kinesthetic, tactile tactile/tac��tile/ (tak��til) pertaining to touch. tac��tileadj.1. Perceptible to the sense of touch; tangible.2. Used for feeling.3. , aural aural/au��ral/ (aw��r'l)1. auditory (1).2. pertaining to an aura.au��ral?1adj.Relating to or perceived by the ear. and visual--in a hands-on manner,from the simplest to the most complex coordinations. Athletes are taughttheir technique, or "basic form," in such a way.* Healthful technique is injury-preventive. Discomfort, fatigue,pain and injury are unnecessary and result from inefficient body use andreal-coordination. As injury-preventive technique becomes morewidespread, the need for medical intervention will diminish.* Healthful technique is a skill, not a talent, and all musicianshave a right to acquire it. Conceivably, future students and theirparents will be aware of this truth and request such a technique.* Healthful technique is greatly influenced by holistichealth--physical, mental and emotional, as well as ergonomics--thecondition of one's instrument and the comfort and safety ofone's work environment. Teachers must educate students, parents,administrators and vendors about the importance of quality instruments,ergonomically sound chairs, adjustable benches and pleasant,acoustically healthful practice areas.FUNDAMENTAL COMPONENTS OF A HEALTHFUL TECHNIQUEThe following are some general guidelines and exercises fordeveloping healthful, well-coordinated technique in all instruments, aswell as information and resources to aid in the quest. These guidelinesare not specific to every instrument, but are a starting point Noun 1. starting point - earliest limiting pointterminus a quocommencement, get-go, offset, outset, showtime, starting time, beginning, start, kickoff, first - the time at which something is supposed to begin; "they got an early start"; "she knew from the forbuilding the subtle and complex coordinations appropriate to everyinstrument.Playing an instrument or singing should be an exhilarating, not adebilitating de��bil��i��tat��ingadj.Causing a loss of strength or energy.DebilitatingWeakening, or reducing the strength of.Mentioned in: Stress Reduction , physical experience. Developing such a healthful,injury-preventive technique for any instrument requires the following:* Kinesthetic kin��es��the��sia?n.The sense that detects bodily position, weight, or movement of the muscles, tendons, and joints.[Greek k awareness* Efficient muscle use* Optimal skeletal balance and alignmentKinesthetic AwarenessKinesthetic awareness is the key to a free, healthful technique. Itis the sixth, and largely forgotten, sense. It informs a person ofmovement and the state of his or her muscles. Traditionally, techniqueemphasizes movement alone. But equally important is the ability to sensethe degree of muscular contraction Noun 1. muscular contraction - (physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber)contraction, muscle contractionshortening - act of decreasing in length; "the dress needs shortening" . Kinesthetic awareness gives one thisability.Efficient Muscle UseEvery instrument has certain muscular requirements. One mustdetermine the minimum amount of muscular use needed to achieve themaximum artistic result. Efficient muscle use--using the right musclesat the right time with the right amount of contraction--allows oneconstantly to refresh the muscles, avoid fatigue, listen to oneself andbe in control of the entire experience. It also allows the joints to besufficiently stable when supporting weight and free while moving.Optimal Skeletal Alignment and BalanceOptimal skeletal alignment and balance are essential in allowingthe various systems of the body to function well. A human'sskeletal design balances strength of support with flexibility ofmovement. The head/neck/spine relationship is especially important forhealthy neuromuscular neuromuscular/neu��ro��mus��cu��lar/ (-mus��ku-ler) pertaining to nerves and muscles, or to the relationship between them. neu��ro��mus��cu��laradj.1. functioning. There is a global epidemic of head,neck and back imbalances. These create chronic muscular tension and painand lead to numerous debilitating neuromuscular and musculoskeletal musculoskeletal/mus��cu��lo��skel��e��tal/ (-skel��e-t'l) pertaining to or comprising the skeleton and muscles. mus��cu��lo��skel��e��taladj.Relating to or involving the muscles and the skeleton. conditions. Given the enormous demands on musicians, any skeletalimbalance or excess muscular tension depletes energy and undermines theability to function at one's best.* FOUNDATIONAL STEPSA step-by-step approach is sound pedagogy. If a student'stechnical development is sequenced and sufficient time is allowed tomaster every coordination, from simplest to most complex, he or she willbuild a strong, reliable foundation. The following steps will:* Increase kinesthetic awareness, help release unnecessary tensionand prevent the accumulation of chronic tension* Promote balance, good alignment and flexibility* Help lay the groundwork for the more complex and subtlecoordinations required of each specific instrumentEvery step can be adapted to all levels and ages.Step 1. Develop Kinesthetic Awareness--The Key to Technical FreedomHealthful technique requires mastering movements and sensations inincreasing complexity. Kinesthetic awareness is the most powerful toolwe have for mastering any coordination. Without it, a musician cannotprogress well technically and inevitably will develop harmful, unnaturalbody-use habits. Animals, babies and very small children are especiallykinesthetically kin��es��the��sia?n.The sense that detects bodily position, weight, or movement of the muscles, tendons, and joints.[Greek k sensitive, but we begin to ignore this essential senseeven by the kindergarten years. The results are chronic muscular tensionand skeletal imbalances. Kinesthetic awareness helps release unnecessarytension and restores skeletal balance throughout the body.Exercise for Developing Kinesthetic Awareness1. Allow the world to become your practice room.2. Be aware of your body throughout the day in allactivities--eating, driving, talking, typing, walking and so forth.3. Pay attention throughout the day to your breathing and allow itto deepen.4. Pause frequently and simply ask: how little muscle tension andmovement do I need to do this activity well?Step 2. Understand the Whole Body Mechanism--How it is Constructedand How it Works Most EfficientlyA rudimentary understanding of basic biomechanics, even for youngerstudents, is enormously helpful for developing good coordination. Weplay our instrument with the whole body, not just the hands, fingers,arms, mouth or vocal chords. Each beautifully fine-tunedsystem--sensory-motor, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neuromuscularand so on--is related to all others. Appreciation and knowledge of thisinterdependence is the critical first step towards building a healthfultechnique.For the busy teacher, performer or older student, attendingAlexander Technique, Feldenkrais and Body Mapping workshops or takinglessons given by certified instructors, is the most efficient route tokinesthetic awareness and healthy functioning. They stress both thesensations and feelings of good coordination, as well as thebiomechanical information. If that is not possible, the next bestalternatives are the following resources. These books are especiallyhelpful, succinct suc��cinct?adj. suc��cinct��er, suc��cinct��est1. Characterized by clear, precise expression in few words; concise and terse: a succinct reply; a succinct style.2. and engaging for the musician:* What Every Musician Needs to Know About the Body: The PracticalApplication of Body Mapping & the Alexander Technique to MakingMusic by Barbara and Benjamin Conable (Andover, 1998). This is acharming but powerfully informative book with humorous and helpfulcartoon illustrations and is easy to understand and readable for youngmusicians.* What Every Pianist Needs to Know About the Body by Thomas Mark(GIA Noun 1. GIA - a terrorist organization of Islamic extremists whose violent activities began in 1992; aims to overthrow the secular Algerian regime and replace it with an Islamic state; "the GIA has embarked on a terrorist campaign of civilian massacres" Publications, Inc., 2003). This book and video are excellent forall musicians, but are most appropriate for serious students and adultkeyboardists.* Somatics: Reawakening reawakeningn → despertar mreawakeningn → r��veil mreawakeningn → Wiedererwachen nt the Mind's Control of Movement,Flexibility and Health by Thomas Hanna (Harper Collins Publishers,1988). This gives specific, effective exercises for understanding,releasing and relieving chronic muscle tension throughout the body. Thisbook is suitable only for teachers, performers and mature students.* How to Learn the Alexander Technique: A Manual for Students byBarbara Conable (Andover Press, 1995). This is one of the best books forself-instruction in Body Mapping, as well as the Alexander Technique. Itis appropriate for mature students, teachers and performers.* The Body Atlas by Steve Parker Dr. Steven Parker (better known as "Steve" or "Stevo") is a fictional character in the Australian soap opera Neighbours. The character, played by Steve Bastoni, debuted on screen on July 23, 2007. (Dorling Kindersley Publishing,1993). A big, beautifully illustrated guide to the human anatomy Human anatomy is primarily the scientific study of the morphology of the adult human body.[1] It is subdivided into gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy.[1] , itincludes colorful drawings that are large, clear and interesting.Explanations are simple and nontechnical. This is a powerful visual toolin building awareness of the "body map" that is suitable forall ages and levels, but especially enjoyable for children.Step 3. Develop Awareness of BreathingBreathing is essential to life. Efficient breathing is themusician's foundation for freedom of movement, tone production andnatural phrasing. Developing breathing awareness is the first step inestablishing that foundation.Exercise for Efficient Breathing1. Lie comfortably on your back or sit in a chair.2. Place a small pillow on your abdomen.3. Close your eyes and simply focus your attention on yourbreathing.4. Be aware of the coolness of the air as it enters your nostrils.5. Notice the gentle rise and fall of the chest wall.6. Notice that as chest wall muscles release air, breathing willslow and deepen.Step 4. Develop Awareness and Control of the State of the MusclesMuscle "tension" is defined by some as excess muscularcontraction and by others as simply muscular contraction. So, to"play without tension" can be a very confusing phrase. In thiscontext, "tension" means any degree of muscular contraction.Inefficient technique consistently uses too much muscularcontraction of both the appropriate and inappropriate muscles andcreates chronic muscular tension. We often erroneously believe thatexcess tension and movement create and reflect musical intensity andmotion. Unfortunately, excess tension and movement can prevent one fromtruly listening and controlling coordination, sound and musical results.* The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook work��book?n.1. A booklet containing problems and exercises that a student may work directly on the pages.2. A manual containing operating instructions, as for an appliance or machine.3. by Davis, Eshelmanand McKay (New Harbinger har��bin��ger?n.One that indicates or foreshadows what is to come; a forerunner.tr.v. har��bin��gered, har��bin��ger��ing, har��bin��gersTo signal the approach of; presage. Publications, Inc. 1995). This is acomprehensive and practical guide to various relaxation andstress-reduction techniques. Clearly written and well formatted, it is avaluable resource for all performing and teaching musicians.Step 5. Understand Healthy Joint FunctionBones spiral and taper to form joints, the basic components ofmovement. Muscles, tendons and ligaments surround joints, both todetermine direction, speed and intensity of movement, as well as holdjoints in place for bones to support weight. Many musicians stressjoints through misalignment mis��a��ligned?adj.Incorrectly aligned.misa��lignment n. and excess pressure. Knowing how and when torelease these joints is critical to facility, ease of movement andspeed.Exercise for Joint Exploration and Liberation1. Stand balanced, legs shoulder width apart with knees in a"soft" position.2. Notice your breathing.3. Gently explore the range of mobility of each joint, beginningwith the toes.4. Count the joints while enjoying their free, unhampered Adj. 1. unhampered - not slowed or blocked or interfered with; "an outlet for healthy and unhampered action"; "a priest unhampered by scruple"; "the new stock market was unhampered by tradition"unhindered movement.5. Close your eyes and become kinesthetically aware of your joints,where nerve endings are more numerous.6. Discover your "neutral zone" of the wrists and knees.This is the most natural alignment of bones and joints from which we canboth support weight and move with the greatest freedom.Step 6. Develop a Sense of the Spine, Sitting Bones and CoreSupportWhether we sit or stand, the spine, with its four natural curves,is the center of our body and comprises, with the brain, the centralnervous system. As we breathe, it lengthens and gathers. If we do nothave a sense of our core support, we continually compromise our bodyuse. Developing this sense, however, is best accomplished throughhands-on work with a certified Alexander Technique teacher. Yoga,pilates, tai chi Tai ChiDefinitionT'ai chi is a Chinese exercise system that uses slow, smooth body movements to achieve a state of relaxation of both body and mind. and dance also can promote core support, but mightencourage excessive muscle contraction Noun 1. muscle contraction - (physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber)contraction, muscular contractionshortening - act of decreasing in length; "the dress needs shortening" if improperly taught.Step 7. Understand the Mechanics of Your InstrumentUnderstanding the instrument you play--how it is constructed, howit functions, how it feels--is often a gateway to increasing ease andgood coordination. If you sense, for example, that a piano key takesonly several ounces to stay depressed, you immediately release excessarm tension. If a flutist or trumpet player explores and senses theweight of the instrument or the friction of the keys or valves, then hewill realize he does not have to hold his shoulders up to support theinstrument, or squeeze and press unnecessarily. When a pianist actuallylooks at the damper damp��er?n.1. One that deadens, restrains, or depresses: Rain put a damper on our picnic plans.2. An adjustable plate, as in the flue of a furnace or stove, for controlling the draft. action while pedaling, or watches the hammers strikethe string for only a split second, her body will shift to a morekinesthetic, intuitive and efficient mode. It is not only essential thatmusicians of all ages explore their instruments; it is a lot of fun.Step 8. Understand How Your Body and the Instrument Work BestTogetherAt this point in developing a well-coordinated technique, therestill remains an enormous gap to be filled between understanding theprinciples of good, whole-body use and applying those principles to thespecific, highly complex and refined coordinations of playing ourinstruments. Until consistently reliable, easily communicable communicable/com��mu��ni��ca��ble/ (kah-mu��ni-kah-b'l) capable of being transmitted from one person to another. com��mu��ni��ca��bleadj.Transmittable between persons or species; contagious. technicalmethods are developed for every instrument, we will need to seek areputable teacher specifically trained in sound biomechanical technique,to lead us step by step through this process. Once we have mastered ourown coordination, we can begin to teach it step by step, in enjoyableways, to our students.Step 9. Take Time to Master Each Level of Coordination andAwarenessIn these hurried and competitive times, one often feels pressuredto learn or teach repertoire too quickly, or beyond one's currentlevel of coordinative skill. Taking time to absorb, digest and mastereach level of technique, and the music it serves, builds a firm,unshakable and injury-preventive foundation. If this is done, themusician will not bump into a coordinative ceiling or stumble overtechnical obstacles. And everyone will benefit from the music that flowsfrom such physical ease and command.BENEFITS OF HEALTHFUL, WELL-COORDINATED TECHNIQUEHealthful, well-coordinated technique yields numerous benefits.Such a technique:* Prevents discomfort, fatigue, strain and injury* Promotes a sense of physical well-being while playing* Enhances suppleness sup��ple?adj. sup��pler, sup��plest1. Readily bent; pliant.2. Moving and bending with agility; limber.3. Yielding or changing readily; compliant or adaptable. See Synonyms at flexible.tr. , speed and facility* Increases tonal power* Broadens dynamic range and tonal palette* Promotes greater concentration* Reduces performance anxiety* Keeps us fully available for listening and music makingMost importantly Adv. 1. most importantly - above and beyond all other consideration; "above all, you must be independent"above all, most especially , healthful, well-coordinated technique allowsmusicians to realize their full potential as artists. Such a techniquewill not create artistry, but it will allow whatever artistry exists toflow freely from the musician into the music.ResourcesPlaying (less) Hurt: An Injury-Prevention Guide for Musicians, byJanet Horvath (Janet Horvath, 2002).The Athletic Musician, by Barbara Paull and Christine Harrison(Scarecrow Scarecrowgoes to Wizard of Oz to get brains. [Am. Lit.: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz]See : IgnoranceScarecrowcan’t live up to his name. [Am. Lit.: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz; Am. Press, 1999).The Musicians' Survival Manual: A Guide to Preventing andTreating Injuries in Instrumentalists, by Richard Norris Richard Norris is a London-based music producer/engineer/musician, best known as a member of The Grid. He is also half of remix/DJ duo with Erol Alkan under the Beyond the Wizard's Sleeve moniker, under which they released an extended EP of psychedelic re-edits called "Birth" in , M.D. (MMB MMB Multimedia Builder (Multimedia presentation software)MMB Middle Mouse ButtonMMB Mighty Mighty Bosstones (band)MMB Memanbetsu, Japan (Airport Code)Music, 1993).The Musician as Athlete: Alternative Approaches to HealthyPerformance, by Dorothy Bishop and Jude Carlson (Kava kavaor kavakava(kä`vəkä'və): see pepper. kavaor kava kavaNonalcoholic, yellow-green, somewhat bitter beverage made from the root of the pepper plant (mainly Piper Publications,1992).Exercise for Developing Muscular Awareness and ControlA simple five-minute relaxation exercise can effectively heightenmuscular awareness, calm the nervous system, release unnecessary tensionand restore balance.1. Lie comfortably on your back, neck supported, in a quiet place.2. Close your eyes.3. Notice your breathing.4. Listen to sounds around you.5. Feel the texture and temperature of fabric against your skin.6. Envision your quiet body as a flowing underground river system.7. Slowly "scan" the body, from the toes to the head, onesection at a time.8. Discover the "debris" of unnecessary muscular tensionand release it.9. Envision space and eliminate compression within the body.10. Feel the gentle pull of gravity as you release into the earth.Exercise for Core Support1. Sit on a supportive, slightly padded bench or chair with eyesclosed.2. Become aware of your "sitting bones" by gently tiltingto each side and feeling the bony "rockers" at the base of thepelvis pelvis,bony, basin-shaped structure that supports the organs of the lower abdomen. It receives the weight of the upper body and distributes it to the legs; it also forms the base for numerous muscle attachments. .3. Center your torso weight over the sitting bones.4. As you breathe, sense the spine lengthening lengthening (lengkˑ·the·ning),n the use of various massage or muscle energy techniques to relax and stretch muscle and connective tissue. and gathering.5. Free the neck, shoulders, face and jaw of any unnecessarytension.6. Balance the head like a helium balloon on top of the torso.7. Repeat this exercise with your instrument.KINESTHETIC CUES FOR ALL MUSICIANSBefore Playing* Be aware of breathing.* Feel balanced on feet or sitting bones.* Allow spine subtly to lengthen length��en?tr. & intr.v. length��ened, length��en��ing, length��ensTo make or become longer.lengthen��er n. and gather.* Release unnecessary shoulder and neck tension.* Release unnecessary arm, hand and finger tension.* Balance head like a helium balloon on torso.While Playing* Use kinesthetic awareness to monitor continually.* Allow muscles to release at every whole body continually.* Maintain balance and flexibility.* Be aware of breathing.BONUS BYTEPart 1 of the Essential Skills series can be found online atwww.mtna.org. Click on "American Music Teacher, then "BonusBytes."Barbara Lister-Sink, the recipient of the 2002 MTNA-Frances ClarkKeyboard Pedagogy Award, has performed as a soloist and chamber musicianthroughout North America North America,third largest continent (1990 est. pop. 365,000,000), c.9,400,000 sq mi (24,346,000 sq km), the northern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. and Europe. Lister-Sink currently isartist-in-residence and professor of piano at Salem College ''For the previously named Salem College in West Virginia, see Salem International University.Salem College is a small, liberal arts women's college in Winston-Salem, North Carolina founded in 1772, making it one of the oldest institutions of higher , School ofMusic.