If there was ever a book to read, this is it. (if you play the piano or organ, anyway.) I'm putting it in the life-changing-books-to-reread section of my bookshelf, right between the Scriptures and Parenting with Love and Logic. You need this book. Trust me. I just wish there was a version for bassists.
I've always experienced some degree of pain when I play any instrument, and I've been terrified that I would permanently injure myself to the point that I would not be able to play anymore. I've also been afraid that if I ever taught lessons, I would pass my ignorance on to my students. A year ago, at the BYU Organ Conference, one of the presenters recommended this book, and I jotted down the title but never followed through until a few weeks ago when some parents approached me about teaching their kids piano lessons. I knew I had to read this book so that I wouldn't produce little, injured pianists. But now I'm excited because maybe I can retrain myself to play without any pain, and if I'm really lucky, maybe I'll be able to transfer the principles over to my bass playing too.
8 comments:
I'm going to have to get that book. On a slightly related note, how did you like the BYU Organ Conference?
It was amazing. I thought that since I had already taken the BYU organ classes, it would mostly be review, but there were a lot of great workshops teaching stuff like modulation, playing music besides hymns, writing your own introductions and stuff like that. If you ever get the chance to go, you should. I wish I could go every year to keep me inspired.
Now, if you ever find the same sort of book for those of us who play accordion, please let me know. My back and shoulder hurts each time I take it out of the case, let alone play it. Maybe I should try a kazoo, or something light like that when I'm not in the mood for my guitar.
They need to make that for viola playing. I am always feeling awful after a concert.
Now do they mention anything about what to do if the organ bench is too tall? I miss the adjustable benches at BYU.
yeah, accordion and banjo. Those players really get hammered!
Em, it talked about how high you want the bench, but not how to get it there. Here's what the internet says: "Ideally an adjustable bench should be purchased when several organists of various heights play a single instrument. If this is impossible (they cost approximately $1000), each leg of the bench should be cut down at least 3/4", then special bench risers or four finished 1" x 4" boards should be provided to bring the bench back up to standard height or 3/4" higher for taller organists. "
Thanks for the info!
Thank you for passing this good info along. Will add it to our list of books to track down. I'm not a pianist, but am married to one and have two of our three kiddos currently taking lessons.
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