The musician's physiological gestures and posture

Type of training

Intra-company

Support

Group training

For whom?

Orchestra musicians

Prerequisites

Participants must be orchestral musicians. They take part in the workshop with their instrument

Teaching team

Xavier Mallamaci

Pedagogical objectives

Awareness-raising and the learning of good postural and gestural practices enable a
physiological approach to instrumental work and the prevention of physical disorders in musicians
thanks to :

• Refocusing on the musician's body
• Improving posture for greater playing comfort
• Optimal use of the instrument and the musician's environment
• Acquiring the ability to assess, target and react appropriately to suspected tension or pain

Educational program

• Introduction, main training principles (30min)
• Basic anatomy, popularization of musculo-articular physiology (15min):
  o Definitions of the various anatomical structures involved in movement (muscle, tendon,
  ligament, aponeurosis)
  o Muscle physiology (dynamic muscles/postural muscles, mechanism of
  muscle contraction, physiology of muscular effort)
  o Joint physiology (role of ligament, tendon, basic notions of
  joint mechanisms)
• Physiology of standing posture and movements (1h):
  o Analysis of spinal statics, influence of
  lower limb and pelvis use on standing posture
  o Analysis of movements, from cervical spine to upper limbs
  o Practical: Awareness and installation of overall posture and movements in
  standing posture.

• Physiology of sitting posture and movements (30min):
  o Analysis of spinal column statics, influence of
  lower limb and pelvis use on sitting posture
  o Practice: Awareness and installation of overall posture and movements in
  sitting posture.
• Breathing mechanisms and their influence on posture (1h)
  o Practice: Awareness and installation of the physiological mechanics of breathing
• Physiology and mechanics of the shoulder (1h30)
  o Practical: Application of physiological shoulder movements
• Physiology and mechanics of the hand (1h30)
  o Practice: Application of physiological hand movements
• Musculoskeletal disorders of the musician (30min)
  o Presentation and definition of the main musculoskeletal disorders of the musician
  o Symptomatology and mechanisms of onset of these disorders
  o Preventive and therapeutic solutions
• Conclusion of the day, answers to questions and opening (15min)

Methods used

• Dynamic lectures, interactive exercises, case studies, hands-on situations on the instrument

Evaluation methods

Trainees are asked to evaluate the training at the end of the day (hot evaluation)
and one month later (cold evaluation). The trainer validates the learning acquired during the
course by means of an online quiz at the end of the day. A training follow-up certificate is
issued to each participant at the end of the module. It specifies the dates of completion, the
hourly volume and the skills targeted.

Accessibility

Le référent handicap de l'AFO est disponible pour accueillir les personnes en situation de handicap.
Au moment de l’inscription, le référent handicap prend contact avec qui de droit, si besoin, afin d’échanger sur les solutions permettant à toute personne de suivre la formation sans difficulté.

Contact details for our disability advisor: Florent Demarthe - fdemarthe@france-orchestres.com