Comments on: Tension and Relaxation http://andrewoliver.net/2009/10/tension-and-relaxation/ Pianist, Composer, Arranger - Portland, OR Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:28:24 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.5 By: Alex W. Rodriguez http://andrewoliver.net/2009/10/tension-and-relaxation/comment-page-1/#comment-135 Alex W. Rodriguez Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:35:46 +0000 http://andrewoliver.net/?p=434#comment-135 Very interesting topic -- I've been working through some of these issues in my practice as well. I'm not sure how this could translate to piano, but I've actually been playing left-handed on the trombone. Practicing this way has not only completely eradicated the embouchure issues I've been struggling with, but also gives me that sense of "one step detachment" when I play -- I think that's because the other side of my brain controls my other hand, so I don't have any "bad habits" stored in the neural synapses there. It's an amazing feeling, but of course I can't perform that way because the muscle-memory doesn't exist for me to execute with good intonation or slide speed. But I am finding that the more left-handed practice I do, the more that "one step detachment" (and a better embouchure setting) are slowly creeping into my right-handed playing. You could definitely do the same thing on trumpet, although holding the instrument would be a little awkward. I'm not sure how you could do that on piano, though, since you're already used to playing with both hands. You'd need a piano with the low notes on the right and the high notes on the left! Very interesting topic — I’ve been working through some of these issues in my practice as well. I’m not sure how this could translate to piano, but I’ve actually been playing left-handed on the trombone. Practicing this way has not only completely eradicated the embouchure issues I’ve been struggling with, but also gives me that sense of “one step detachment” when I play — I think that’s because the other side of my brain controls my other hand, so I don’t have any “bad habits” stored in the neural synapses there. It’s an amazing feeling, but of course I can’t perform that way because the muscle-memory doesn’t exist for me to execute with good intonation or slide speed. But I am finding that the more left-handed practice I do, the more that “one step detachment” (and a better embouchure setting) are slowly creeping into my right-handed playing.
You could definitely do the same thing on trumpet, although holding the instrument would be a little awkward. I’m not sure how you could do that on piano, though, since you’re already used to playing with both hands. You’d need a piano with the low notes on the right and the high notes on the left!

]]> By: Tom Garcia http://andrewoliver.net/2009/10/tension-and-relaxation/comment-page-1/#comment-121 Tom Garcia Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:59:41 +0000 http://andrewoliver.net/?p=434#comment-121 You play coronet too. How do you feel about body relaxation in relationship to a wind instrument that requires that core, embouchure and skeletal muscles be engaged to even make a sound? Furthermore, to play softly is MORE straining for a wind player. Stan Getz was working harder than anyone. Or check out Kenny Davern http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yehjSzGy5hA What is a relaxing and easygoing tune requires more focus and energy. If we sat down on cushions and played coronet and tenor duets what would we get? Bad tone, less dynamic control and a desire to stand up. How can wind players work on reaching the meditative state? I'm not so much asking you as putting forth questions. Other than that, I'd rather speak in person. You play coronet too. How do you feel about body relaxation in relationship to a wind instrument that requires that core, embouchure and skeletal muscles be engaged to even make a sound? Furthermore, to play softly is MORE straining for a wind player. Stan Getz was working harder than anyone. Or check out Kenny Davern http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yehjSzGy5hA What is a relaxing and easygoing tune requires more focus and energy. If we sat down on cushions and played coronet and tenor duets what would we get? Bad tone, less dynamic control and a desire to stand up. How can wind players work on reaching the meditative state?

I’m not so much asking you as putting forth questions. Other than that, I’d rather speak in person.

]]> By: ji http://andrewoliver.net/2009/10/tension-and-relaxation/comment-page-1/#comment-119 ji Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:27:02 +0000 http://andrewoliver.net/?p=434#comment-119 Interesting topic Andrew! Playing music is indeed a physically dynamic process...each instrument has it's own intangibles. Any time spent getting a deep understanding of how your body works is valuable in any endeavor. Rubenstein and Mehldau are two pianists that I feel embody the concept of physically effortless tension/release. Interesting topic Andrew! Playing music is indeed a physically dynamic process…each instrument has it’s own intangibles. Any time spent getting a deep understanding of how your body works is valuable in any endeavor. Rubenstein and Mehldau are two pianists that I feel embody the concept of physically effortless tension/release.

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