Re: [Harp-L] Neck Injury

[Michelle LeFree <mlefree@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Elizabeth (Scotty) wrote:
> There could be a bit of a connection in the way you hold the harp--i.e. if
> you grip very hard unconsciously while playing/holding your head and neck
> in a  stiff, unnatural position. The only way to really tell is to take your
> instrument to your Doctor's office and have him/her evaluate you while you
> play... <clippage>

Muscular tension is the enemy of any musician.

There is another way for a musician to identify and release muscular 
tension while playing any musical instrument before getting to the point 
where you need to enlist a physician's help. Back when I was trying to 
learn to play guitar I discovered a very useful exercise as taught by NY 
classical guitarist, Jamie Andreas (I've since given up on playing a 
guitar).

The technique Jamie teaches is one he calls, "posing." To use this 
technique to identify muscular tension you simply stop playing at a 
random point in a tune or a practice session, hold your exact body 
position, muscular tension and all, and then examine your body for any 
areas of that tension. When a tense muscle is found, you then 
concentrate on relaxing it. Once that muscle is relaxed, you can resume 
playing.

You resume playing and then you stop again at a random point in your 
practice session. Over time you learn to incorporate this technique into 
your playing and eventually learn to do it without actually stopping 
playing. It's actually quite similar to the advise I received back when 
I studied Transcendental Meditation in which deliberate relaxation is 
key (yup, I'm ~that~ old :-) ).

In addition to helping with physical stress when playing it also helps 
you develop your tone and general relationship with your instrument. You 
learn to stop "fighting" it.

Works for me. Might be worth a try for y'all.

Thanks,

Michelle