11.09.07
Yoga for Musicians??
The basic principles of yoga are proper relaxation, proper exercise, proper breathing, proper diet, and positive thinking with meditation. This five-element equation is pretty much what the doctor ordered for any musician. Our profession demands long hours in high-stress situations, while balancing technique with emotional vulnerability. Yoga is an attainable discipline that simultaneously addresses the physical, mental, and emotional disciplines demanded of musicians.
As a vocal instructor I often assign yoga to students struggling with physical tension, or overwhelming performance anxiety (an assignment I learned from my first voice teacher). Here is how each of the five principles of yoga can benefit you as a musician:
Proper Relaxation: Releasing tension caused by daily life (e.g. hours in front of a computer, loading heavy sound equipment. etc.) is critical for musicians. Not only are tense muscles at a highter risk of injury, but muscles that are tense are not really in your control. Onstage we need to know that our bodies are on our side. Many singers, whether they want to or not, carry shoulder and neck tension that puts extra strain on their fragile vocal mechanism. Releasing that tension will take the local stress off the voice and will certainly improve the singer’s vocal health.
Proper Excersize: In addition to increasing energy and strengthening the immune system, excersize releases nervous energy and will help decrease any performance anxiety or pre-show jitters.
Proper Breathing: deeper, slower breathing increases oxygen to the brain and body. More oxygen means increased alertness and energy. Also, breathing is the number-one important technique for singers. Yoga breathing promotes breath-awareness, as well as depth and control of both the inhale and the exhale: all necessary techniques for singers.
Proper Diet: Eating healthily is key in maintaining your health. Also, certain foods can make singing more difficult (see my blog, “Maintaining Vocal Health” for more on voice-friendly eating practices.) Try not to eat too much before a rehearsal or performance, you don’t want to be mentally and physically sluggish when you should be focused on the music.
Positive Thinking: The mental discipline of positive thinking is key in practice productivity and mastering performance anxiety. Controlling overly-critial feedback and mentally visualizing yourself performing well are age-old practices for performers. So, next time you’re nervous before a performance and you’re thinking “what if I mess up,” just stop, focus, and try asking the question “what if I do everything right?”
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