The importance of physiological and psychological health for violinists: A study on Alexander Technique

This study investigates the effect of the physiological and psychological health of violinists on their performance using Alexander Technique as a medium. Two different measurement techniques have been used to evaluate violinists' physiological and psychological wellness, and some qualitative work like interviews are included to create insight about the subject. The study expects to find violinists who attended to Alexander Technique classes would declare less pain and injury than the ones who didn't, and the number of experienced performance anxiety would be less than the ones who haven't taken the lessons which is also the two central hypothesis this study addresses. The main difference between performance-based professions and the others is profession's demands on physicality. Like any other musicians, being a violinist means lifelong dedication and discipline to profession's demands. A professional violinist learns to practice for hours from beginning of his/her childhood and adapts his/her lifestyle according to this profession. In this sense, to externalize the subject, it could be said that sportsmen and violinists have similar kind of attitude towards their profession. Throughout their practices and performance times, both of their bodies perform the exact complex musculoskeletal movements and positions. However, it is a known fact that violinists do not give the same care to their bodies like sportsman do. Broadly speaking technical and musical preparations seem as adequate for optimal performance. However, regarding psychological and physiological demands of this profession one should question if these preparations are enough. In the literature, most studies about violinist's health state that physical injuries are likely to occur because of the practicing styles and bodily postures that violinists should obtain to play. These injuries become chronic when their outset is not spotted and prevented early enough. The same attitude applies for the mental shortcomings too. If a violinist can't locate the source of stress or anxiety and don't know how to overcome these mindsets, he/she might eventually need to stop performing. Therefore, this study explores what are the physiological and psychological shortcomings that violinist's experience caused by their profession such as: Musculoskeletal Overuse Syndrome, Tendinits, Lateral Epicondylitis, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, Focal Dystonia, Playing Related Pains, Playing Related Dermatological Problems, Musical Performance Anxiety. Researchers who are the authority in this field suggest that physical and mental endurance is vital to individual training to reach the ideal performance. Since violinists need a high standard of mental concentration to have a peak performance, they need physical and mental power. Therefore, it would be useful to be aware of facts as the state of mind and bodily health. There are many techniques, to compensate different needs to improve and/or prevent possible disablements such as Feldenkreis Method, Rubenfeld Synergy Method, Dalcroze Eurhytmics, Musicians Yoga, Meditation and The Pilates Method. However, this study is going to focus on Alexander Technique since its improving effect is suitable for both mental stability and physical health. Alexander Technique is an education method that prevents physical and mental drawbacks violinists' experience. It is developed by Frederick Matthias Alexander in the 19th century after he started to experience vocal problems. Although Alexander created the technique by self-observation and experimentation, technique's principles were confirmed to work on other performers who experienced the same problems. This made the technique gain recognition in the international arena. Fundamental application principles of the technique are known as Primary Control, Inhibition and Direction. The main difference of this technique from other techniques is how the instructor uses his/her hands on the student's body to teach body-mind interaction. Application methods could be observed in three significant topics: Table Work, Chair Work, and Activities. Along with one-on-one practice, theoretical and applied group lessons could be prepared. To support the proposed hypothesis, two groups of violinists, each consist of 34 individuals, have filled out two questionnaires about physiological and psychological well-being. While one of the group members are chosen for their inexperience on Alexander Technique lessons, the other group were mainly selected for their experience on this technique. Patrice Berque's "Musculoskeletal Pain Intensity and Interference Questionnaire for Musicians" is used to assess the technique's effect on physical health, while Dianna T. Kenny's "K-MPAI Inventory and scoring form" is used to understand how the technique influences anxiety levels on stage. Like any other one-on-one approach to artistic development and therapeutic intervention, technique's way of work and outcome is shaped according to the uniqueness of the student and the instructor. Therefore, adding a qualitative part to this study was essential due to the technique's nature and way of work. The study also includes interviews with 27 different certified Alexander Technique instructors from all over the world. This part is involved in this study to bring insight about how the technique works and how students benefit from it. Questions investigate technique's benefits, common psychological and physiological problems performers encounter, techniques place in the curriculum, importance of the preparatory classes and counselling for the performers.