Musicians

 

You have been well taught, you have a tried and trusted technique, you look free and relaxed when you play and yet you are in pain. You find it difficult to pinpoint the problem because you aren’t aware of doing anything particularly different. You don’t want to talk about it because you might appear a lesser musician, and you don’t want to face it because the thought of not playing is almost more painful than the physical pain itself.

This is a familiar theme for so many musicians and it is important to address the situation before it wreaks havoc in your life. Causes can be numerous and subtle, and it takes the right kind of ‘eye’ to see what is really going on.

Instrumentalists

It doesn’t matter what instrument you play, it is important to play with an efficient use of your body. An oboe player who has a tense left thumb holding the instrument can be encouraged to use only the muscles needed to perform that act, thereby letting go of tension that was blocking free playing. A bass player can discover that adjusting their stool by as little as an inch can free up their arms in a way that stops the nagging shoulder ache. It can be a small trigger which, when changed, can have such positive results.

Come with your instrument and anything else that is part of your normal playing routine, like a particular chair or stool and be prepared to play!

Charlotte helped enormously. I can play the piano again without any fear, have no more long-term pains and am much more relaxed physically!
Aziza S.

Pianists

As a pianist, you have the option of taking Performance Bodywork a natural step further. If you have a problem such as tendonitis, the sessions may develop into a form of ‘piano lesson’ so it is very important if you are a student that you ask your piano teachers permission. You would only need to play a piece at the beginning of the first session (there would be no emphasis on style and interpretation) and then the focus would go towards what is causing the problems and how to unlock those problems.

If you choose, you can have a series of sessions that will completely transform your technique, so that you learn to play with freedom and the piano starts to feel effortless and enjoyable. Charlotte's approach to piano technique is very simple and is based on the principles of the Eastern Martial Arts, using power rather than force. She can see and hear within the first few minutes of seeing someone play where the main issues are - others can reveal themselves over time – and can help re-educate you in healthy piano playing habits.

Charlotte moved me through a serious case of tendonitis. As a jazz pianist, I was terrified that this would become a long term problem. She helped me let go of the pain, by showing me how to play the piano with freedom and helping build up the right muscle memory so I could apply it on my own. I have never had the pain since and I can play for hours without getting tired. She really knows her stuff and is fantastic at getting it across!
Kit D.

Singers

Your voice is a part of your body and you create your own instrument before you even start. The way you hold yourself physically and the way you think and feel has a direct impact on the sound you produce and how you are able to express yourself. The relationship between you and your voice can be a highly complex one and when problems arise they can sometimes be difficult to untangle. A simple adjustment of the way you hold your head can make a difference to your sound or it might be a case of going deeper and discovering how your thoughts and feelings are having an impact – the ‘inner game’ of performing.

Come with music that you are working on and be prepared to sing (and be accompanied at the piano!)