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Re: OT: Music books that transcend technique...(was Re: semi-OT: i recommend Victor Wooten's book)
Hi Warren,
I haven't heard the Preludios Americanos, but will look for them. I agree, breathing regularly & in a relaxed way is crucial to good playing technique. I teach & practice T'ai Chi, which uses breathing as one of the elements to bring about relaxation. I have been working on adapting the movements & breathing techniques of T'ai Chi for musicians. Since I have found so much benefit for myself, I am wanting to share this with others. I have played with the idea of doing local workshops.
I also started with a pillow to replace the foot stool (a Dynarette pillow), but have more recently switched to a Murata guitar support. It is a little platform that attaches to the underside of the guitar, & rests on my left thigh, raising the guitar & making it comfortable to play. Yes, I have also noticed famous players like Paul Galbraith (http://www.paul-galbraith.com/engl/fotos.htm), who have adapted the guitar to be played in a cello-like position. Interesting adaptation. I think the Murata guitar support is sufficient for me at this time.
Blessings,
Eduardo Martinez
musician - composer - artist
www.EduardoMartinez.com
www.MySpace.com/EduardoMartinezMusic
Nashua, NH USA
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Warren Sirota" <wsirota@wsdesigns.com>
Subject: Re: OT: Music books that transcend technique...(was Re: semi-OT: i recommend Victor Wooten's book)
Likewise, Eduardo. I will definitely check out the Carlevaro - I used to play a couple of the Preludios Americanos. Probably my favorite classical guitar pieces ever. And, also, I have found breathing to be incredibly important in practice (once I discovered that I typically held my breath for 20 seconds at a time while playing difficult passages, I found the discipline of sighing softly while playing these passages to be very effective in helping me relax into them instead of "stressing" into them). I may look into that Vermont retreat for next year.
I gave up on footstools many years ago - i have had back issues for a long time, and the weird assymetry forced by footstools always seemed somewhat punitive. Instead i got a funny-looking little pillow-type thing that sits on my leg to lift the guitar into a better position (I got it from the SF store Guitar Solo probably 25 years ago). But I've been very intrigued by a couple of guitarist that i've seen who have modified their guitars to be almost upright, more like a cello. it seems that the left hand is less stressed that way. not so sure about the right.
Warren
