Constructive Rest

Greetings,

On Sunday I participated in an Alexander Technique Workshop sponsored by the Raleigh Area Flute Association in North Carolina. The event was capably led by certified Alexander Technique teacher, Rachel Niketopoulos, and Alexander Technique trainee, flutist Pam Nelson.

I came away with a renewed commitment to "constructive rest," a dependable way to widen my shoulders, lengthen my spine, and deepen my breathing.

I now have a dedicated space for students to practice Constructive Rest before their lessons. I am looking forward to the heightened awareness and learning of my more relaxed and better balanced flute students! Thanks Rachel and Pam!

Here is a great blog article about Constructive Rest by musician and Alexander Technique teacher, Bill Plake.

Bill writes a blog for musicians, Bill Plake Music: Helping Musicians Improve and Stay Healthy. Check it out!

There is a video demonstrating Constructive Rest made by Michael Hanko, another certified Alexander Technique teacher.

To learn more about the Alexander Technique, please visit:

http://www.alexandercenter.com/
http://www.alexandertechnique.com/at.htm
http://www.bmj.com/content/337/bmj.a884.full.

Time to rest now!
Catherine

Lea Pearson: Navigating Embodied Practicing

Greetings,

Be sure to read this great article: Navigating Embodied Practicing by Lea Pearson at Flute Focus.

"Whether you are dealing with injury or discomfort, limited time in the practice room, lack of sleep that makes you too tired to physically practice, or just want to be more efficient in learning a piece - embodied practicing can be very helpful."

Best,
Catherine

Galway's Scale Challenge

Greetings,

James Galway: “I would like to share with you why I am so successful at playing the flute.”

Got your attention? This quote got my attention! Sir James Galway has invited us to join him in reworking technique by devoting four 15 minute practice sessions daily to Marcel Moyse’s Exercices Journaliers pour la flute (Daily Exercises for the flute).

Count me in!

I encourage you to sign up for James Galway’s Scale Challenge and watch his introductory video.

If you don’t own Moyse’s Exercices Journaliers pour la flute, you can download an abridged version in 3 parts from Jennifer Cluff’s website:
• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3

Thanks Jen! If you are an advanced player, add additional octaves to each exercise.

And thank you, Sir James, for the incentive!

Best,
Catherine