A few years ago I embarked on a long time dream and committed to learning the oud. My aim was to discover new ways to meet music and try to be as much a beginner as possible and not rely on any guitar knowledge. Oud … Read More
How I learnt to stop worrying (part 1)
“Directions, however serve merely to impart means by which a certain goal can be reached.” Arnold Schoenberg, Theory of Harmony 1911 The theme It is late in January and here in Australia the state calendar gives the schools a 6 week break between mid December … Read More
Does Alexander Technique really work?
A rose? There is nothing as central to human communication as giving something a name, a process that is often the starting point for storytelling. Wherever we may look we see evidence that as humans we tell stories; breathe and tell stories. For example Shakespeare’s work … Read More
Musician’s Posture? Never a problem
In recent decades some focus has gathered around health and wellbeing needs of musicians. Associations such as Performing Arts Medicine Association pay attention to these specific health concerns that matter to musicians. Generally speaking, much of the preliminary research evidence into performance-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) … Read More
Making posture uncomplicated
As I learn more and more about the developmental process of language acquisition, I also start to ask more fundamental questions regarding the social ideas surrounding ‘posture’. I wonder if how posture is defined, at least through the western remedial model, is something that can … Read More
The secret of timing and practice
Whether it’s an athlete, performing artist or a musician that we picture in our mind, the activity referred to as practice is an absolute and permanent cornerstone of what it is to be involved in these professions. It is obvious that practice is the defining process of … Read More