This article was originally written as a recap after a presentation at the Florida Flute Association Convetion. It is such a joy to me to get to be able to personally walk people through the mechanics of fitness and learning how to properly use their bodies to better play their first instrument, their bodies, before picking up the flute. Speaking …
Strength Is a Solution for Hypermobility
Hypermobility: something I’ve struggled with in one way or another over the years. (How many 37 yo you know can flip a back bend with no warmup?) What is it? An excessive range of motion in the joints. While most people trainers deal with have the opposite of this problem (hypomobility: lack of mobility) the hypermobile person I feel like …
Are You Ready to Push the Reset Button?
Yesterday on our podcast, Jen and I talked about some exciting things we have coming up! My exciting thing is the Covid Comeback Challenge! You can secure your spot here, or hit that “Contact” button and tell me what instrument you play. Let’s do this! https://youtu.be/8Nix_pAznz4
Exercises for Flutists
Recently I was asked to write an article for Flutist Quarterly, the quarterly publication of the National Flute Association. There are a LOT of beneficial exercises for flutists, but I picked 2 stretches and 2 strengthening exercises I felt were the most beneficial, with no equipment, for the general population of flute players. These may be more difficult for some, …
Addressing Mental Health for Musicians Through Exercise
I was recently asked to be a contributor in the area of fitness to something called The Musician’s Wellness Starter Pack, which is a comprehensive approach to addressing all areas of musician’s health, but focusing mainly on mental health. As something that doesn’t get talked about enough, I couldn’t say yes fast enough. I took a different approach to an …
Podcast Interview with Corpsonore
If you are not following these ladies you’re doing yourself a great disservice. They have a fantastic podcast and website on musician’s wellness from all aspects. I’ll include the podcast audio here, but do yourself a favor and check out the page for more goodies! Link to my episode on their page: Corposonore Podcast Interview with Notes and Recommended Reading …
Beneficial Exercises For Flutists
View PostPlaying Flute with Scoliosis?
A little while back, I received this email from a teacher concerned for her student with scoliosis: “I have a student that has scoliosis. She has been told by her doctor that she is going to have to stop playing flute due to the severity. I know that if she is sitting correctly, and using complete correct posture this really shouldn’t be …
Debunking Weightlifting Myths
I remember back when I was in school for music, going to the gym to lift wasn’t a very popular thing and to be honest, sometimes it was even discouraged. I frequently was cautioned against lifting because I could hurt myself, “what if you crush a finger?” was something I heard on the regular. Most musicians I knew just ran …
Podcast Interview with The Conditioned Musician
I found David on Instagram and knew instantly he would be an amazing resource. He’s a musician, ACSM certified personal trainer AND getting his doctorate in physical therapy because he wants to be a personal trainer for musicians. I’m happy to have him as a brand ambassador for Music Strong and really wish he lived closer so we could cross …