In common usage, the word ‘hip’ may refer to the pelvis, the joint where the leg meets the torso, or both. This leads to some confusion and it is worthwhile to find out just how your legs connect to, and move with, the rest of your body.
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Piano instruction books often depict ‘the right posture for playing piano.’ They may illustrate a pianist with a straight back, feet on the floor, and forearms parallel to the floor. There are advantages and disadvantages to presenting images like this. If a student were to hold this position, the holding may become very limiting for piano technique, not to mention tiring! Through an investigation into positive poise, we can explore some principles of coordination for playing.
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A large percentage of classical Alexander Technique lesson time is devoted to work on sitting, standing and moving between sitting and standing. As one progresses, this preoccupation persists. There are some more complex tasks that the experienced student may be able to work constructively with, but the teacher is likely to continue to work on sitting and standing. This tenacity is based on profound principles.
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I am often asked for an opinion on office chairs. My answer is necessarily indirect. I propose that a chair which makes engaging in positive co-ordination most readily accessible is preferable. I then go on to unpack what that statement means, suggest some practices to aid comfortable sitting, and some ergonomic considerations. I may also challenge the enquirer as to how they came to ask in the first place, to ensure he is not delegating responsibility for the use of himself to his furniture.
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Postural improvement characterises every experience with Alexander Technique and is its most remarked on effect. However the view that “Alexander Technique is about posture” misrepresents the vast scope of Alexander Technique. Perhaps the standard definition of posture is limited too
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