Event Title
Seated Posture for Musicians: From Slump to Support
Date of Publication
3-26-2021
Document Type
Event
Abstract / Program Notes
Musicians are often so focused on their music-making that they fail to notice that they may be slumping, and how such posture contributes to a number of physical issues which in turn influence musicianship. Among these physical issues are muscular stress, freedom of arm movement, and airflow, which in turn impact phrasing, dynamics, and other musical parameters. This lightning talk will demonstrate a technique that quickly and easily brings a supportive seated posture and will provide examples of how this technique can bring close to immediate results.
Biography
Dr. Ruth E. Morrow, is the current Bolin Distinguished Chair of Piano Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, where she teaches piano, related piano courses, and western and world music. She is the current CMS – South Central Regional Chapter President, and has held past board positions of Newsletter Editor, Performance-Instrumental, and Musicology. She was the Program Chair for the 2016 CMS South Central Conference at Midwestern State University. She has performed both in the Americas and abroad, and has presented at regional, national, and international conferences of the College Music Society and other organizations. With a background spanning most musical styles and including performances throughout the world, Dr. Morrow remains in demand as recitalist, collaborative pianist, and lecturer. She gives master classes and lectures on topics such as silence, piano music and human rights, ragtime, and movement in addition to performing, and enjoys working with students to make them more at ease in both practice and performance. Gisborne, New Zealand, and the island of Grenada, West Indies, have hosted Dr. Morrow for week-long residencies including performances, master classes, festivals, and workshops. She is currently researching solo piano music which heightens awareness of human rights issues. In addition to her numerous musical endeavors, Dr. Morrow is an avid marathon and half marathon runner and labyrinth walker, and is owned by two polydactyl tabby cats. She holds degrees from Indiana University, the Eastman School of Music, and Whitman College.
Keywords
Posture, music, performance
Seated Posture for Musicians: From Slump to Support
Musicians are often so focused on their music-making that they fail to notice that they may be slumping, and how such posture contributes to a number of physical issues which in turn influence musicianship. Among these physical issues are muscular stress, freedom of arm movement, and airflow, which in turn impact phrasing, dynamics, and other musical parameters. This lightning talk will demonstrate a technique that quickly and easily brings a supportive seated posture and will provide examples of how this technique can bring close to immediate results.