This guide dives into the science of variable practice and includes a chart of over 50 different practice strategies.
Read moreDifferentiation in Turning
This lesson explores all the ways we can turn from a pseudo side lying position.
Read moreMovement Class
Event Information
Coming Soon!
Crafting a Cozy Learning Space
Allow Time to Set Up
It takes a few minutes to join the meeting and get everything ready. Please allow at least five minutes for this transition!
Prepare the Floor Space
You’ll want some cushioning; either a carpeted floor, folded blanket, yoga mat, or a combo. You need enough space to extend your arms along your side and over your head.
Prepare the Props
Sometimes it’s nice to have extra padding under the head, knees or belly. Folded towels work best, as we typically want to maintain a firm surface that feels like the ground and allows the head to roll. Pillows under the head are a bit too fluffy to allow for free movement, however you need to do what feels right. If you cannot lie flat due to breathing difficulties, you may want a wedge pillow handy. When working with the legs long, it can be nice to have a foam roller or yoga bolster, but this isn’t required by any means. We won’t always use these props, but they can be nice to have on hand.
Warn Your Family
Make sure you’ve warned any family members or roommates so that you can attend the class without experiencing distractions or interruptions. If you have pets, decide if you want them climbing all over you during the lesson, and if not, lock them out of the room. Pets do not know what to make of people lying on the floor that appear to be doing nothing. (They can’t see or understand what’s happening in your brain or how difficult it is to do very little as a human…)
What to Wear
Please wear clothes that are comfortable and easy to move in. Remove your shoes and glasses. It can get cold lying on the floor, so have layers and blankets handy.
Zoom Setup
It’s best to place the camera higher and have it looking down towards the floor so that your entire body is visible. It’s okay to approximate this and it’s not worth fussing over getting it perfect. During the meeting the camera must be turned on so that I can provide individually tailored instruction. During the class you will be muted.
Lighting Considerations
There should be enough light that your movements are visible on camera, however you do not want to be blinded by bright lights in the ceiling. It does not need to be bright or crystal clear, just visible.
PDF GUIDES
PDF Guides
Movement Lessons
Movement Lessons
Workshops
Virtual Workshops
Relax while boosting body awareness!
Six Rhythmic Breathing Etudes
The Six Rhythmic Breathing Etudes are an exploration of the rhythm and pace of breath in playing. These pieces include an introduction with instructions, a copy of the score with suggested breathing patterns, and questions for reflection.
Read moreMind-Body Learning at the Piano
The Mind-Body Learning at the Piano guidebook provides essential information about learning with the nervous system, mindful practice strategies, and also a simplified approach to increasing awareness of movement and technique.
Read moreMaking the Spine Flexible and Integrating It
This lesson explores flexion and extension of the spine in just about as many different positions as one can think of!
Read moreClock Hands
This lesson explores the everything that connects the pelvis and shoulder through reaching movements. In this lesson, your arms are the hands of a clock.
Read moreEase in the Jaw
Learn to release the jaw through a gentle exploration of head, neck, and eyes.
Read moreGetting to Know the Hip Joints
Learn to sense your hip joints through gentle movements of rocking the pelvis and holding the knee.
Read morePelvic Clock
This is a classic lesson involving pelvis and spine. Find freedom in your base with this lovely exploration of a clock.
Read moreTurning in Side Sitting with Eyes
Coordinate the pelvis with everything above it in this classic seated (on the floor) lesson. The hand hangs loosely from the arm, joining the fun but not running the show.
Read moreViolin Arms Part 1
Explore shoulder movements by reaching while playing the violin.
Read moreJello Pudding
Connect through the entire length of the spine by exploring gentle oscillations while lying on the back.
Read moreWorking with the Dominant Hand
A gentle one-sided lesson explore rotational movements of the forearm and connecting back to the shoulder.
Read moreViolin Arms Part 2
Take the reaching movements a step further, by reaching over and behind the head.
Read moreBreathing Workshop
The breathing workshop includes three lessons focusing on different aspects of the breath: where we breathe, when we breathe, and attention to the breath, plus a set of breathing etudes.
Read morePosture Workshop
This workshop includes four movement lessons to help develop a fluid and responsive posture at the piano, plus a handout of practice tips.
Read more
This guide dives into the science of variable practice and includes a chart of over 50 different practice strategies.