This course explains how techniques from different traditions – Qi Gong and yoga in particular – can improve musicians’ performance, concentration, and general well-being. The benefits of these techniques include: improved concentration, increased lung capacity and therefore endurance, a more efficient study routine, prevention of injury (especially tendonitis), help in overcoming stage fright and lack of self-confidence, and a considerable improvement in our “internal tempo”. Particular emphasis will be placed on yoga breathing techniques, or Pranayama, the Sanskrit term for bio-energetic breathing exercises aimed at capturing vital energy from the air and retaining it, and on ways of linking these breathing exercises to instrumental and vocal technique exercises, body movements, musical form and tempo. I practiced yoga for 20 years with renowned Brazilian yoga teacher Ro de Castro, and recently translated her comprehensive guide to yoga breathing – “Total Breathing” – from Portuguese into English.
The book is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.fr/Total-Breathing-Prof-Ro-Castro/dp/B0DDQ4J3V8
Topics Covered
- Pranayama – Breathing as Musical form and Structure
- Bhastrika – Accelerated Breathing – Increasing Concentration and Energy
- Exercises (Asanas) for Arms and Shoulders
- Self-Massage – Taoist Techniques for Strengthening and Relaxing Arms, Hands, and Fingers
- Synchronizing Breathing with Musical Tempo
- Synchronizing Breathing with The Heartbeat
- Synchronizing Breathing with Body Movements
- Meditation Techniques
- Visualization of Your Goals in Life and Music
- Unlocking Creativity