Having earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, Georgia knows a thing or two about living the life of a performer. Since the age of fourteen she has been classically training in vocal performance. Unfortunately, such a training does NOT come without a price. Hours of rehearsal, constant competition with peers, self-judgement and self-doubt, as well as anxiety and fear around the future are not uncommon amongst musicians and played a prominent role in Georgia's life before she began her yoga practice.
It's hard to find one musician who isn't at least one of these things: over tired, over worked, over stressed, over competitive, or incredibly sore. Many times we find ourselves all of these things at once!
Thankfully, yoga is a perfect remedy for all the mental and physical fatigue of a musician's lifestyle! Here are some ways how:
It's hard to find one musician who isn't at least one of these things: over tired, over worked, over stressed, over competitive, or incredibly sore. Many times we find ourselves all of these things at once!
Thankfully, yoga is a perfect remedy for all the mental and physical fatigue of a musician's lifestyle! Here are some ways how:
- BREATH CONTROL- One of the main components of a yoga practice is the practice of pranayama, or the concious practice of the control of breath to direct energy of the life force. This is EXTREMELY important for singers and wind musicians, but is completely applicable for all musicians, who have a tendency to tense up and forget to breathe, especially when performing.
- POSTURE- Yoga asana practice helps cultivate better posture and connection to the body. This makes for a better presentation on stage, as well as increased stamina for standing or sitting with an instrument for long periods of time.
- RELIEF OF TENSION- Yoga creates immense space in the physical body. Musicians ofter carry tension in their neck and shoulders, as well as pretty much everywhere else. Yoga can help relive tension, stretch out sore muscles, and create more range of movement and flexibility.
- CLEARING OF MENTAL CLUTTER- Besides the obvious physical benefits of yoga, it is also useful in calming the mind and shutting off the "hamster wheel", if you will. Musicians tend to be perfectionist by nature and this can lead to obsessive, judgmental thinking, as well as full-blown mental exhaustion. Yoga has the ability to create space in the mental body as well as the physical. A regular practice helps clear away the clutter and the chaos in the mind, and instead fills it with a cool, calm, and collected attitude, which often results in better performances!