Equipment news

The Violinist in Balance team currently concentrates on fitting individuals for custom equipment. We are also carrying on pilot trainings schemes to create new expert teams within institutions such as the Oundle School and now also the Royal College of Music. Concentrating on these aspects means that we can get more clearly to the bottom of the violin/viola ergonomic problem. Our energies are not yet fully on production of series for general use. I have put some tips online after the ESTA conference in Oxford, when this question came up a lot. I will continue to update this information as we go along. Consult the sections often on “What you can do” and “Equipment” under the Violinist in Balance heading on this site.

Solutions for the player and teacher

Meeting with colleagues at the ESTA International Conference in Oxford has suggested new possibilities for equipment and education. It is very clear that the physical demands of playing the violin and viola are an issue for almost everyone. It is heartening to find that there are many talented colleagues who are working on this issue, and we have just begun to share our knowledge! It has help us to clarified the goals of the Violinist in Balance team and to consider further possible actions in ergonomics and education that could make it possible to musicians to have the resources they need to fit themselves and their students with equipment that promotes health and nurtures talent, while widening the vision of violin and viola playing and teaching to include the entire player. We have updated the sections in this website on Equipment and "What you can do" to reflect all that we have learned here at ESTA Oxford! 

Violinist in Balance at ESTA International 29 August 2013

Violinist in Balance at Oundle School

Can you support your instrument without compromising freedom of movement? Ill-fitting equipment endangers comfort and playing technique and cramps neck and shoulders.
 
This presentation describes a three-year pilot study by Crissman Taylor (Violinist in Balance, Alexander Technique, Utrecht Conservatoire) and Angus Gibbon (Head of Strings, Oundle School), whose combined teams fitted Oundle School students and teachers with customized chin and collarbone rests. Combined with private Alexander Technique lessons to enhance awareness of balance and poise, the result was a better playing position for bowing and fingering, and healthy alignment of spinal column and limbs. Mr. Gibbon describes the resulting greater physical freedom and creativity in playing and release from discomfort and awkwardness. An Oundle School team supervised by Violinist in Balance continues this work using adjustable chin and collarbone rests currently under development.

You can take a closer look at our equipment and experience the ergonomic principles first hand at our follow-up workshop.