Head-neck-back balance in cello playing according to the Alexander Technique and revision of C string tuning peg

Cello training that starts at an early age can lead to deformations in the player's body. This situation is inevitable due to the long hours spent and the cellist's adaptation to their profession, but precautions should be taken to keep it within a healthy range. It is an important step to carry out preventive measures in order not to cause permanent damage and not to interrupt the performance of the cellist. This study aims to bring another perspective to these precautions by making the cello more suitable for the body. Throughout history, the cello has undergone physical changes. One of the reasons for these changes is to provide comfort to the cellist. Examples include the production of cellos in different sizes and the addition of a spike under the instrument. However, with the modern form of the cello, the cellist's posture and the position of the head, which is central to the Alexander Technique for body comfort, often cause the cellist to lose their natural posture due to the tuning peg of the C string. This study examines the physiological discomforts experienced in this area and focuses on the revision of the C string tuning peg by cutting it for a healthy position in light of the Alexander Technique.