Dear Fellow Musician,
A professional musician told me recently there were 3 things she didn’t learn in her music training:
- How to be with her body
- How to practice
- How to be on stage
I’ve worked with enough musicians over my 25-year career to know she’s not alone. Those are missing pieces in almost every musician’s training (which is one of the main reasons I started this school).
Before we go any further, allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Peter Jacobson, the founder of Mind Body Music School. I’m a conservatory-trained conductor, music educator and teacher of Integrative Alexander Technique (you can read my fancy bio here). When people ask me what I do for a living I say: I help musicians stop interfering with their innate freedom, coordination and joy.
I’d love to invite you to this introduction to Integrative Alexander Technique for Musicians, a holistic approach that helps you get your mind, body and soul in agreement.
It’s work that has been relied on by performing artists for well over a century. And much of it goes against the conventional wisdom about how to deal with performance issues.
What We’ll Explore
What do we do when nerves and performance anxiety show up?
Don’t worry, we’re not going to tell you to “calm down.” It’s actually some of the worst advice a performer can get.
How do we maintain our physical poise and emotional balance in the face of the heightened stimuli of a performance?
We won’t be telling you to “relax” either. Also kinda bad advice for something as extraordinary as performing.
How do we prepare ourselves for performance in our practicing?
Because most performance issues actually have their source in the practice room.
You’ll walk away with some new ways of approaching performance and the start of a constructive performance plan. And hopefully, a little more joy.
The Workshop Format
Most of our time together will be spent with me coaching volunteer performers in front of the group. It’s an anti-masterclass where we flip the script: you’re the master and I’m the guide.
We’ll maintain a light and playful spirit with the goal of moving outside of our own self-created limitations.
Group activities and practices will be woven throughout, so everyone has a chance to experience the work in their own body, not just watch it.
A limited number of spots will be available for volunteer performers, offered on a first come, first served basis at registration.
If you’d rather not get up and perform, no worries. You’ll get just as much from the experience from observing and participating in the group work.
Who This Is For
This workshop is open to all musicians interested in the work: vocalists, instrumentalists, teachers, conductors. Musicians under 18 are welcome with an adult chaperone. Wherever you are in your music journey, you’re welcome.
No prior experience with Integrative Alexander Technique is required. If you’re new to it, this will give you a taste of what the work has to offer. And for those with experience in chair-and-table Alexander Technique, this workshop will help you apply the core principles directly to the activity of performing.
What Past Participants Say
I would wholeheartedly recommend this workshop to others. The instructor created a generous space where musicians of all kinds could learn from and support each other.Deborah U.
It was amazing and beautiful to see how the workshop changed how people expressed themselves musically.Mary A.
The amazing sounds and the presence that came through when people were able to allow changes will stay with me for a long time. Wow! What it is to be human.Eileen J.
Intellectually stimulating, technically and physically shape shifting for those who participated, and spiritual in its connection with others on a loving and playful level.Joan B.
An Invitation
There’s a quote from Bobby McFerrin I love:
When I go to a concert, I don’t want to leave the hall the same way I entered. I want TRANSCENDENCE. I want something to happen to me in there, so that when I leave the hall, I’ve been touched in a deep, deep way, by magic, by some holy accident.
Bobby McFerrinJoy. Transcendence. Freedom.
That’s what we’ll be exploring together.
If that calls to you, I hope to see you there!
In Music,
Peter
Founder, Mind Body Music School
If $50 is out of reach, please be in touch. We’ll work something out.