Posture and freedom of movement
- Maintain physical freedom and ease, without unnecessary tension:
- across the full range of the instrument, indicating awareness and understanding of the whole body as a balanced playing mechanism
- playing with a comfortable and balanced position which ensures flexibility when playing hands separately and together
- playing with free and confident movement
- playing with economy of movement when tackling challenging and demanding passages
Discuss what effect using two or more keyboards together has on posture and freedom of movement. Help learners to formulate a detailed set-up plan with clear procedures, taking particular care over the heights of instruments and safeguarding good posture and forearm, wrist and hand positions.
Where learners are linking together two or more keyboards, computer equipment, sound modules, etc., it is vital that they understand and adhere to electrical health and safety procedures.
Ask learners to devise their own checklist of the main sources of tension. Discuss how tension can be alleviated.
Some learners with poor posture and/or tension problems find relaxation methods useful, e.g. yoga, Alexander Technique.
Continue to encourage positive body language when performing.
Encourage learners to attend a wide range of live performances where possible, and/or watch live performances online.
Encourage learners to use imagery in order to convey the character and mood of the music. Discuss how posture may contribute towards communication.
Provide opportunities for learners to observe how others communicate in performance, e.g. masterclasses, concerts.
Help learners to use their posture to communicate musical intention, e.g. beginning and/or changing tempo in an ensemble.
Discuss ways in which learners can develop the physical and mental stamina required to play longer, more demanding pieces.
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