From Crane Step to Butterfly Palm: Integrating Qigong into Viola Playing by Practicing Heidi Castleman’s ‘Strings with Qigong’

In this workshop, I will explore the profound benefits of Qigong for viola players, emphasizing physical wellness and enhanced performance. Qigong, an ancient Chinese practice involving gentle movements and breath control, fosters relaxation and improves posture. It observes nature for models of movement and sound, particularly inspired by animals like tigers, bears, birds, dragons, and butterflies. It acts like rocket fuel for a musician, as both Qigong and playing a string instrument are centered around the vibration and flow of movement—one through sound, and the other through physical motion. I will introduce Heidi Castleman’s ‘Strings with Qigong’ project, which integrates Qigong principles into viola playing, and other instruments’ practice. Heidi Castleman will join the session remotely to demonstrate key movements and discuss their application. Attendees will gain practical insights on how to incorporate Qigong into their routines, promote holistic musicianship and address common physical challenges.