exercise Archives

Breathing Free — by Selma Gokcen

"The nose is for breathing, the mouth is for eating." —Proverb One of the more noticeable aspects of the modern cellist’s performance is noisy breathing. On records or in the concert hall, sometimes heard as far back as the last row, the laboured breath of the cellist engaged in giving his or her best performance can be a major distraction to a listener. Whether it’s the sharp sniff or gasp on the up bow or a general effortful pant, is this heavy breathing necessary for their work? On a recent surf of the internet, I came across some amusing comments about cellists and their breathing from a radio listener: “I always find that 'cello players breathe loudly, even on recordings! I wondered if perhaps it is a symptom of having [...]

By Selma Gokcen|2017-11-24T04:29:08-05:00April 18th, 2013|Categories: Alexander Technique for Cellists, Playing Healthy, Self Discovery|Tags: abdominal muscles, downward force of gravity, Gokcen, guide, affect, drink, inspire, Alexander principle, efficient breathing, re-education, muscles relax, automatic process, gravity, enlivening, Selma, reducing air pressure, breathing apparatus, exhale, enter and depart life, muscles, sequence, breathing free, cello, exalting emotion, freedom, shift weight, cello pressing on chest, cellobello, existing tension, attention, straining for breath, chest cavity, expiration, breathing, touch, conditions, energy, food, exercise, use affects function, correct position, health, freedom of the thorax and ribs, lungs, divine influence, Alexander Technique, gases|

Reflections from the Bleachers — by Melissa Kraut

I am not cut out to be a swimming mom. Seriously. I am a cellist, an artist that uses classical music to parse the profound issues of humankind. I deal with emotions, both broad and subtle, grand and intimate. I’m on a journey to refine a skill that I will spend my lifetime trying to achieve, and working on finding ways to convey my passion to others, to convey what is in my soul through my instrument. I’m a professor at the Cleveland Institute of Music, how can I possibly take on the role of swimming mom?? My daughter, a freshman in high school, is an avid swimmer, so it came as no surprise when she tried out for the high school swimming team last October. As much as I [...]

By Melissa Kraut|2017-10-22T23:03:30-04:00March 14th, 2013|Categories: Artistic Vision, Beyond the Traditional, In the Practice Room, Self Discovery|Tags: increments, swimming mom, swimming, Interlochen Arts Academy, tempo, unhealthy, Cleveland Institute of Music, letter jacket, Wenger chairs, achieve a common goal, Melissa Kraut, frustration, athlete, pool, passion, bleachers, timing, refine a skill, chamber music, competitions, cello, Reflections fro the bleachers, training, early morning practice, cellobello, sick, discipline, eat well, professor, sleep well, repetition, getting enough sleep, orchestra, stretch, progress, high school orchestra assembly, successful musicians, exercise|

Keeping Healthy On The Road (or in Your Dorm, Home or Apartment) — by Mark Summer

The fall being my busiest touring season with Turtle Island, I’m often thinking of the best ways to stay healthy and happy throughout the dark days of “flu season.” After years of almost constant travel, with endless days of connecting plane flights, shared van rides, and occasionally horrifically early lobby calls, I feel somewhat qualified as an expert at keeping my body in tune enough to weather the storm of illnesses that plague the general population. In 27 years, I’ve never missed a concert due to illness. I thought I had the flu once while on the road, but at a recent physical/flu shot pitch, my doctor informed me that if I was able to play a concert, it wasn’t the flu. Nevertheless, my record speaks for itself. I’m not [...]

By Mark Summer|2024-04-23T16:22:36-04:00November 16th, 2012|Categories: Cello Travel, Playing Healthy, Self Discovery|Tags: exercise, Rest, flu relief, pressure, Healthy, cello, concerts, swimming, cellobello, flights, environment, Habits, Summer, performances, Mark, string quartet, blogs, suggestions, illness, exhaustion|