Pain-Free Playing for String Players

Playing an instrument can be physically demanding, requiring coordination, strength, and flexibility. When your body is out of balance, you can run into pain, tightness and discomfort when playing. This class will use the principles of Pilates and the Franklin Method to create greater awareness and balance in your body. You will be given lots of movement ideas and exercises to bring greater ease and enjoyment to your playing. The class is appropriate for players of any instrument and is of value to professionals, students and amateur musicians alike.

What You’ll Need

Please bring a yoga or Pilates mat. (I’ll bring a few extra in case anyone forgets.) No special attire is required- just wear something comfortable because we’ll be moving! Many of the movements we will be doing can be transferred to just about any environment, i.e. the practice room or backstage.

Eva Stern is a violist and a comprehensively trained Pilates teacher with a specialty in working with musicians. She brings her years of experience as a performer and music teacher to her Pilates teaching. Using her combined knowledge of music and movement, she helps students develop the specific strength, flexibility and athleticism needed to perform at a high level. She is a member of the Chautauqua Symphony and the Muse Ensemble, has played as a member of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and has served on the music faculty of Eastern Michigan University. She is currently on the faculty of the Governor’s School for the Arts in Norfolk, Virginia, where she teaches Pilates and movement for their instrumental music students. Also certified in the Roll Model® Method and as a Franklin Method Low Back Fascia Trainer, she is dedicated to continuing education to help her students feel their best. She teaches Pilates in Norfolk and online, and gives workshops for music schools throughout the United States. For more information about Eva and Movement for String Players, visit https://www.evasternpilates.com/.

You can follow Eva on Instagram and Facebook @sternmoves