Exploring Movement: An Introduction to Body Mapping for Musicians

This interactive workshop will be an introduction to Body Mapping, a somatic modality which grew out of the Alexander Technique. Developed by Barbara Conable in the 1990s, Body Mapping helps musicians optimize movement and sound by exploring how the body functions. Body maps are constructs in the brain which result in habitual movement, whether productive or harmful. They are driven by our perception of how our bodies are structured and sized and how they function. The good news is that body maps can change. By exploring movement and educating ourselves, we can replace our inadequate maps with informed ones. This work can lead to general improvement in our movement, and more specifically to a more coordinated and efficient movement, all in an effort to assist us on our journey to reduce and prevent discomfort, pain, and injury. Participants should come dressed comfortably and prepared to move!