By Katie O'Rourke | 3 minute read
In one of my recent workshops, pianists cited physical tension as the number one challenge they face at the piano. This wasn't surprising at all! As most musicians know from hands-on experience, it's not easy to simply flip the tension switch off.
As a wellness advocate, I've learned that tension exists for many reasons, including visual and vestibular reflexes, vitamin deficiencies, medications, inflammation, sleep quality, stress levels and who knows what else. Human beings are extraordinarily complex, and we actually need varying amounts of muscular tension to be able to function at all.
We don't have complete and total control over our body. However, we do have three powerful and simple tools that can coax and soothe tense muscles into an optimal state for playing.
Do movement exercises while lying on the floor. This removes the physical effort required to remain upright within the field of gravity. We instantly gain ease while lying on the floor, and this makes it possible to experience subtle movements and optimize our habits.
Move slowly. Calming and quieting the mind through slow movement increases our capacity to move with ease. When stress is low, we can access new, subtle movements to find greater clarity and precision.
Stop trying to relax. The calming and quieting of the mind should happen naturally as a result of moving slowly. When we attack the problem of stress and tension head on, it often generates more tension. Instead, cultivate curiosity and lean into movement experiences that feel pleasurable.
Want an example of what this looks like? Try this short exercise!
Slowly open and close the hand as you coordinate the opening and closing with your breathing.
As a variation, begin to bring each fingertip, one at a time, towards the thumb. Bring them as close as possible, but do not let them touch! Eventually, try combinations of three different fingers.
Do this to only one hand so that you can compare the two sides. Try playing before and after to see what happens!
I’ll close with a final PSA: If you have persistent tension that causes distress, please talk to your doctor. There is a lot to be considered, and sometimes what looks like a piano problem is really a medical problem.
Please let me know how I can best support your musical wellness!
Interested in experiencing guided breathing? Check out this free virtual class!
