Exploring the influence of body awareness on instrumental sound

Abstract

Results from recent research have demonstrated positive effects of somatic approaches, such as the Feldenkrais method, somasthetics, and body mapping in the field of music. However, the direct impact of such approaches on instrumental sound was never studied so far. The present pilot study was thus designed to investigate the influence of non-judgmental body awareness on the sound of high string instruments. N = 11 students of the music colleges of Geneva and Lausanne were requested to sense specific parts of their body while playing one long note. The analysis of audio recordings and interviews conducted post hoc show a positive correlation between the subjective experience of ease participants reported, and objective sound volume or stability. The largest effects were observed when participants were aware of their pelvis, rib cage or head region. Increases of sound volume or stability were often accompanied by non-voluntary changes in body weight distribution, indicating that body awareness had a direct influence on the musculoskeletal system. In view of the reportedly high numbers of playing-related health problems in professional orchestra players, more research should be carried out to examine in detail possible effects of body awareness on instrumental sound and on psychological and physical well-being.

Alexander Technique classes for tertiary music students: Student and teacher evaluations of pre- and post-test audiovisual recordings

“…Since AT training develops the musician’s ability to hold the whole body in the attention field while attending to the instrument and performance context (Kleinman & Buckoke, 2013), beneficial changes in sound production and tonal resonance observed in the present study reflected a recent investigation from Dora, Conforti, and Güsewell (2019), which found positive changes in sound volume and stability, concomitant with subjective feelings of ease, when upper string players directed attention to different parts of the body while playing. In the experience of AT teachers working with musicians, better “use” is often accompanied by a marked increase in tonal resonance.…”

Mindfulness for musicians: A mixed methods study investigating the effects of 8-week mindfulness courses on music students at a leading conservatoire

“…Sound. In a similar way to string participants in a study exploring the effects of increased body awareness on sound (Dora et al, 2019), five participants described how enhanced body awareness and reducing tension also seemed to have an effect on sound and tone quality. For example, Sheila used the Body Scan to help her be aware of maintaining good support and breathing and reported, "The sound changes hugely.…”

“…There is little direct evidence of how mindfulness affects other aspects of music training such as instrumental lessons and solo practice. It has been suggested that increased body awareness, focus, and attention can help individuals develop good instrumental practice and performance skills (Cornett-Murtada, 2012; Diaz, 2011), increase sound volume and stability of tone in violinists (Dora et al, 2019), and assist with learning and practising singing (Elliott, 2010; Sandage, 2011). Steinfeld and Brewer (2015) argue that the type of attention that one learns to bring to the present moment in meditation would be of benefit to music students practising their instruments, whilst De Felice (2004) proposed that it would improve concentration, efficiency, reduce boredom, and increase healthy playing awareness.…”

A Conceptual Framework and Theoretical Analysis of Philosophical and Somaesthetics Approaches in Music and Performance Education

“…In this regard, the role of soma and somaesthetics as facilitators is critical. Several sources emphasized the importance of somaesthetics in achieving practical and effective results (Holgersen, 2010;Maus, 2010;Shusterman, 2011;Maus, 2010;Holgersen, 2010;Paparo, 2016;Dora et al, 2019;Tarvainen, 2019, Bertinetto, 2021.…”