All posts by Gabriela

Workshops in February!

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A Whole Body: Breathing and Arms 1 4-5:30 ET

February 8: Breathing

1 Workshop

We will understand how breathing happens, starting with basic information of breathing and the role of awareness.

Breathing is important for all musicians, not only for singers and wind /brass players.

We will notice and experience how the breath connects with all your body. We want to understand its importance, but also, we want to discover, feel, and enjoy the benefits of breathing.

February 22: Arms 1

2 Workshop

In the second workshop we will explore Arms 1. On this day we will focus on the neck and shoulder region.

We will examine the causes of pain and discomfort in the upper back related to the movement of the arms.

We will understand, find, and experience some movements that could bring ease in our activities.

These workshops are open to musicians and all people interested in the topics.

Gabriela at the Museum of Contemporary Art

Musicians of all instruments, levels, and genres are welcome!

Body Mapping, Classes, Injuries, , ,

Prevent injuries, tension, and discomfort caused by playing music! Learn about the relationship between your body and your instrument!

  • Understand and experience how the body moves by following its natural design.
  • Identify your own patterns of movement and learn how to transform them for playing free of tension.
  • Discover the benefits of being aware of your body!

We will explore:

Morning session: Continue reading Musicians of all instruments, levels, and genres are welcome! →

I Have Wide Experience in Performing, Performing Fragmented

Injuries, Inspiration, , , , ,
The body is the medium to create sound and for some of us it’s the vessel and the beginning of everything.
Gabriela playing a snare drum solo.

 PART 1

A Fragmented Body

At the beginning I didn’t have awareness in my body.

I learned to play from watching movements and copying them. I practiced for hours, days, months, and years. Most of the time it worked, but not always.

My illusion was that if I matched all those movements and performed them, I was going to play correctly. Faithful to my ideas, I didn’t question and I followed the instructions.

Early in my studies I started having some pain and later I was labeled as a musician with tendonitis. Continue reading I Have Wide Experience in Performing, Performing Fragmented →

How Does Your Body React When You’re Stressed in a Music Setting?

Awareness, , , , , , ,

Cat's face expression of surprise

There are numerous stories in our journey of music making. Some of them make us feel complete and encourage us to keep going and enjoy our music. However, there are also times when we face situations that make us believe that we are not talented (“enough”) and lose our confidence.

If you want to know how these experiences feel in your body, try the next exercise!

Continue reading How Does Your Body React When You’re Stressed in a Music Setting? →

Are percussionists the freest instrumentalists?

Percussion, , , , , , , ,

Drummer playing

Barbara and William Conable, who are Alexander Technique teachers and developers of Body Mapping, are the authors of How to Learn the Alexander Technique: A manual for students. They explain common misperceptions in the body that musicians have that cause them tension. The part for percussionists says: Continue reading Are percussionists the freest instrumentalists? →