The aim of this research is to provide a theoretical framework of the Alexander Technique for organists. Frederick Matthias Alexander was an Australian actor who developed a technique to enable and enhance his own performance. This innovative technique is now used across the world, including South Africa. In this study the researcher provides a Literature Study of the Alexander Technique. Furthermore, he investigates and reports on the practises of a number of organists. A multiple case study approach was adapted and data was collected by means of questionnaires, personal observations and informal interviews. The data gathered in this study is described and analysed. The study culminates with a description of a theoretical framework for the application of the Alexander Technique for organists.

The purpose of this essay is to explore how the application of the Alexander Technique, as taught from the point of view of the Interactive Teaching Method (ITM), can be of benefit in performance preparation as well as in the enhancement of the musician’s practice and performance in general. Although the specific performance described in this paper was for violin, the argument is made that the exploration and methods of practice would be of benefit to any musician. This paper describes the experience of a study of the Alexander Technique. Information is provided about the Alexander Technique, its origins, principles and practices. The application of Alexander’s work to violin playing in general is discussed, and specifically to the preparation for the performance of Sonata Duodecima by Isabella Leonarda. / <p>Isabella Leonarda: Sonata Duodecima Opus 16</p><p>Elizabeth Jackquet De La Guerre: Sonata No 1 in D minor for Violin &amp; Cembalo</p><p>Antonio Bonparti: Invention No 1 in A major (from 12 Inventions for Violin)</p><p>Baroque Violin: Aingeala De Búrca</p><p>Cembalo: Mayumi Kamata</p><p>The sounding part has been archived.</p><p></p>

No description available.

O objetivo desta pesquisa é esclarecer as várias possibilidades de chegar a um modo mais natural e equilibrado de tocar o violoncelo. Inicialmente, o panorama geral da pedagogia e técnica violoncelística foi analisado com a finalidade de determinar conclusões e opiniões a respeito de recursos pedagógicos atuais, somados aos conhecimentos próprios do autor. Em seguida, houve uma pesquisa bibliográfica e dos meios eletrônicos sobre seis técnicas de reeducação corporal, sendo que, em média, dez aulas particulares para cada técnica foram realizadas pelo autor. Foram também analisadas informações sobre o aumento da ocorrência de danos físicos no meio musical, bem como sobre o corpo dos atletas e seus cuidados. Todas as informações colhidas serviram de base para uma discussão, visando à construção e a elaboração de uma proposta de uma nova pedagogia para os violoncelistas, buscando um funcionamento mais natural do corpo e auxiliando no combate das posturas viciosas, a fim de evitar danos físicos futuros aos executantes deste instrumento. / The object of this work is to suggest various possibilities to arrive at a more natural and balanced mode of playing the violoncello. Initially, the general panorama of violoncello pedagogy and technique was analyzed in order to determine conclusions and opinions with regard to pedagogical resources today, together with the personal knowledge of the author. Next, six methods of corporal reeducation were researched, through bibliographic and electronic means, with the author participating in an average of ten private lessons in each technique. Information with regard to the increasing occurrence of physical injuries in the musical class was also analyzed, as well as that pertaining to athletes bodies and their care. All information garnered served as the basis for a discussion aimed at the construction and elaboration of a proposal of a new violoncello pedagogy that strives for a more natural functioning of the body and helps combat detrimental postures, so that future injuries to violoncellists may be avoided.

O objetivo desta pesquisa é esclarecer as várias possibilidades de chegar a um modo mais natural e equilibrado de tocar o violoncelo. Inicialmente, o panorama geral da pedagogia e técnica violoncelística foi analisado com a finalidade de determinar conclusões e opiniões a respeito de recursos pedagógicos atuais, somados aos conhecimentos próprios do autor. Em seguida, houve uma pesquisa bibliográfica e dos meios eletrônicos sobre seis técnicas de reeducação corporal, sendo que, em média, dez aulas particulares para cada técnica foram realizadas pelo autor. Foram também analisadas informações sobre o aumento da ocorrência de danos físicos no meio musical, bem como sobre o corpo dos atletas e seus cuidados. Todas as informações colhidas serviram de base para uma discussão, visando à construção e a elaboração de uma proposta de uma nova pedagogia para os violoncelistas, buscando um funcionamento mais natural do corpo e auxiliando no combate das posturas viciosas, a fim de evitar danos físicos futuros aos executantes deste instrumento. / The object of this work is to suggest various possibilities to arrive at a more natural and balanced mode of playing the violoncello. Initially, the general panorama of violoncello pedagogy and technique was analyzed in order to determine conclusions and opinions with regard to pedagogical resources today, together with the personal knowledge of the author. Next, six methods of corporal reeducation were researched, through bibliographic and electronic means, with the author participating in an average of ten private lessons in each technique. Information with regard to the increasing occurrence of physical injuries in the musical class was also analyzed, as well as that pertaining to athletes bodies and their care. All information garnered served as the basis for a discussion aimed at the construction and elaboration of a proposal of a new violoncello pedagogy that strives for a more natural functioning of the body and helps combat detrimental postures, so that future injuries to violoncellists may be avoided.