Ergonomics for musicians

Module 1 Body, Psyche and Instrument, 7.5 ECTS cr Students develop their ability to identify their own mental/physical functions and habitual reactions, through the Alexander method. Together with the teacher, the students analyse how these functions and reactions are purposefully related to instrument play, speech, singing or other chosen activity. The module also includes insights into functional anatomy, physiology and neurology and relevant music psychology and sports psychology. Through the Alexander method students develop kinestetic reliability in movements and reactions as well as the ability to use methods to prevent negative bodily stimulus-response patterns from affecting functions. Module 2 Analysis and Function, 7.5 ECTS cr Students develop their ability to use methods aiming to prevent negative stimulus-response patterns independently and instead provide positive habits and response behavious through primarily the Alexander method. Teaching situations are analysed with the purpose of demonstrating negative and positive stimulus-response patterns in relation to function. The individual structure of sessions designed to promote purposefulness are discussed. Students learn to use and construct aids to promote an ergonomically correct posture. Supervision is provided for conducting teaching aimed to apply teaching methods eabling awareness of mental/physical reactions to strengthen the purposefulness of instrument play, speech, singing or other activities. Instruction is in the form of individual and group sessions in both modules.