The Power of Delivery
A performance begins before the music starts. How we deliver our instrument or our arms to the instrument not only prepares our listener for what we are about to deliver but it impacts how we move. (There is that word again, move! Movement creates the sound, the expression, the performance.)
We all have habitual ways of delivering an instrument or arms. These habits impact how we move when we perform. In other words, the habits can set the stage for exquisite movement or for effortful movement. For example, when the arms are raised to deliver an instrument to the face it is common to see the head shift forward. The head forward increases the demands on the muscles that in turn decrease breathing and technical facility and can result in fatigue
Today, deliver your instrument or arms in a novel way. If you usually deliver the instrument from below, raise it overhead and float it down. Bonus if you pay attention to the quality of movement as you deliver. Things you might notice -Â
is the motion smooth?
am I breathing?
Is one side of my body moving more easily?
Be curious! Notice any effects as you play.