Body Map
We each have mental maps of our body’s structure, function and size.
When these maps are accurate, we move well.
Body Mapping
We can become aware of our body maps, and we can change inaccurate maps.
This improves movement and helps avoid injury.
Body Mapping was initially developed by Barbara Conable, a world renowned Alexander Technique teacher. She trained a network of musicians, called Andover Educators, who now actively work to put music education on a firm somatic foundation. Impressed with her book “What Every Musician Needs to Know about the Body,” I began private study with Barbara Conable and in 2004 became a certified Andover Educator.
Body Mapping has significantly changed my oboe playing and teaching. Since becoming certified, I have been sharing with other musicians the revelations of how an accurate understanding of the body in movement will improve performance.
Want more information about Body Mapping? www.bodymap.org
There is a wonderful instructional DVD about Body Mapping: Move Well, Avoid Injury
Listed below are some of the ways I share the power of Body Mapping with others.
I have been privileged to teach throughout the world at first-rate music schools and music conferences. I’ve also written several articles published in international journals and a book, Oboemotions: What Every Oboe Player Needs to Know about the Body.
Change happens within. A teacher can facilitate your learning, but much of Body Mapping is based on self-discovery. Therefore reading books and studying illustrations can be tremendously helpful. Many books applying Body Mapping principles to specific musical techniques are now available.
Books about Body Mapping:
The Structures and Movement of Breathing
By Barbara Conable / James Jordan
This enlightening handbook is designed to provide clear and concise information about breathing so you may perform with optimal enjoyment and beauty.
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What Every Musician Needs to Know about the Body
Musicians teaching from these principles will see their students thrive. Students studying and restudying these pages will find delight in their enhanced performance.
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What Every Pianist Needs to Know about the Body
The principles in this book have the power to transform a keyboard musician's playing by helping to guarantee pain-free, efficient movement and allowing technique and talent to shine!
Oboemotions
Stephen Caplan
Oboemotions is the definitive volume to help oboists and other double-reed players prevent injury and develop the physical freedom and sensitivity needed for technical mastery.
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What Every Violinist Needs to Know about the Body
Jennifer Johnson
What Every Violinist Needs to Know about the Body is a comprehensive volume on using Body Mapping technique to help violinists prevent injury and develop the physical freedom and sensitivity needed for technical mastery.
How to Learn the Alexander Technique
Barbara Conable / William Conable
This book is a classic, now nationally distributed by GIA Publications. It is the primary reference for anyone interested in learning the Alexander Technique, written by perhaps the leading authority in the United States.
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Body Mapping for Flutists promotes injury prevention and enhanced performance through increased awareness of body mechanics. Certified Andover Educator and flutist Lea Pearson offers students and teachers easy to understand solutions to common body alignment problems.
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What Every Trombonist Needs to Know About the Body
By David Vining
Presently the only Body Mapping resource specifically for Brass players, this book offers outstanding suggestions from trombonist David Vining.
Vining offers many other excellent workbooks at: Mountain Peak Music
Buy from Kagarice Brass Editions
What Every Dancer Needs to Know About the Body
Body Mapping reference specifically for dancers. To purchase contact Robin Gilmore directly.
What Every Singer Needs to Know about the Body
By Melissa Malde, MaryJean Allen and Kurt-Alexander Zeller
With contributions from Barbara Conable and T. Richard Nichols, Ph. D.
Kay Hooper
A guided journal of sensory experiences for performers of all ages.
Buy from AllSense Press
Evoking Sound: Body Mapping Principles and Basic Conducting Technique
James Jordan and Heather Buchanan [DVD]
In addition to this DVD, noted choral conductor James Jordan also has a series of books which incorporate Body Mapping ideas.
There is much more information about Body Mapping at www.bodymap.org
Dr. Stephen Caplan can be reached at stephen.caplan@unlv.edu
