Musicians as Movers: Applying the Feldenkrais Method to Music Education

Abstract

Musicians’ ability to refine their physical movements directly affects their ability to communicate musically with an audience. A focus on the body is thus an important element of music instruction. The Feldenkrais Method (FM) is a method of somatic education that focuses on teaching the body to move in new ways and with greater efficiency and enjoyment. This article discusses how applying the principles of FM to musical instruction can build students’ physical and mental capacity to express themselves in music.