Three Musician Hacks for Healthier Playing
Three Musician Hacks for Healthier Playing
Many people picked up a musical instrument as part of how they coped with social distancing and being home for longer periods of time. This is wonderful, as a musician and experienced music educator, I think the more people playing the better. However, all of this new playing may have some unintended consequences. The ache in your fingers, the stiffness in your neck, the tightness in your shoulders and lower back, or the mysterious buzz in your wrists are all signs of tension and poor posture when playing your instrument. If you work out, then you are probably aware of how your “form” affects your outcomes. The same is true for musicians and for those aspiring to be musicians. Hunching over your instrument so you can see it may seem necessary but it needs to be balanced with a contrary movement so your body stays in tune. Playing the same chord progressions or melodic patterns over and over again may seem like the best way to get better, but it is also a recipe for repetitive motion injuries.
The three recommendations I give to my students are:
Stretch before playing.
A little yoga sun salutation will hit just about everything you need before playing. It will also focus your mind on the task you are about to do.
Play in short bursts = 10-15 minutes multiple times a day.
Play for about 10-15 minutes and then get up, stretch your body a little, roll your wrists and neck gently, go get a drink of water, and walk a little bit. I never keep a beverage within arms reach of where I am playing, unless it is a paying gig. Getting up and doing something different allows your body to absorb and recalibrate around this new activity. You’ll find you learn faster as well, this is a bonus side-effect of taking care of your body.
Actually “Play” your instrument.
If you spend all of your time “Practicing” then your mind will become fatigued, your body will be tense, and the joy you were supposed to get out of music will dashed against the rocks of endless repetition. Even if you can only play 1 or 2 chords, you can have fun playing them, and maybe write a song like “Uptown Funk”. (D-7 to G7)
Music is a language and a physical activity, so keeping your mind and body healthy will only make your adventures in the musical playground that much more enjoyable.
See You on The Path,
Josh