Workshops presented by Michèle Wheatley-Brown

Body Mapping – What Every Musician Needs to Know about the Body

Body Mapping is a practical method for musicians to learn to move more naturally while
reducing the risk of injury and improving their playing technique. It is based on the
principle that a solid understanding of the body’s anatomical structure influences the
quality and nature of movement required to play any specific instrument.

With a strong base of anatomical knowledge and awareness of natural movement,
musicians develop an ease of movement that is more attuned to how their body is
designed to work and liberates a free and natural musical technique. Body Mapping is
applicable to every musician—from singers to string players, pianists to percussionists.

Workshops:

3 HOUR WORKSHOP

This workshop will introduce you to the principles of Body Mapping. We will examine
some common misconceptions about anatomical structures and how we move when we
make music. We will explore how anatomy influences the quality and nature of
movement required to play any musical instrument. Topics will include: The concept of
mapping; proper anatomy and medically-accepted anatomical nomenclature; the concept
of anatomical balance; standing and sitting in balance; mapping the structure and
movement of the whole arm; and cultivating sensory awareness. You will learn to move
from a place of balance—the place from which all movement in any direction is easiest.
You will also learn to move with more freedom and coordination by bringing awareness
to the quality and organization of movement available at all of the arm joints. You will be
introduced to a framework and vocabulary that will help you teach healthy, natural
movement. The material covered in this workshop will help you to improve both your
own performance and your teaching techniques. This workshop will provide you with
practical activities to share with your students. Please come prepared to learn, move and
have fun.

What Every Musician Needs to Know about the Body

FULL DAY WORKSHOP (6 hours)

This workshop offers musicians a more in-depth understanding of the concepts and techniques of Body Mapping. You will learn how the body is really constructed using a correct medical understanding of anatomical structures and vocabulary to precisely talk about the body and movement. We will explore how anatomical structure influences movement while making music and how to move freely and naturally. These concepts are applied to performance and teaching by using techniques and exercises to heighten kinesthetic sensory awareness.

The workshop is divided into six units: 1. Training movement, senses, and attention 2. Body Mapping and places of balance 3. Mapping the arm structure and organizing movement available at all arm joints 4. Mapping the structures and movement of breathing 5. Mapping the movement of leg joints 6. Applying Body Mapping in a master- class setting.

This workshop is suitable for any musician who has an interest in learning to play with more freedom and ease. The knowledge and insights you gain will help reduce the risk of playing-related pain, injury, and technical limitations. Whether you are a singer, string player, pianist, wind player, percussionist or guitarist—this workshop will help you develop an ease of movement that is more naturally attuned to how your body is designed to work.