How Muscles LearnTeaching the Violin with the Body in MindSusan Kempter, author
About the Book:How Muscles Learn provides information useful in helping teachers find productive techniques in teaching based on how muscles learn movement patterns. Muscles and bodies can and should be thoroughly trained before concentrating exclusively on musical outcomes. Contents include:
“I’m happy to recommend Susan Kempter’s book, How Muscles Learn , as a welcome addition to violin pedagogy. Ms. Kempter addresses problems of relaxation and body posture in the early stages of development—an area which is woefully neglected by many teachers of beginners. The key to violinistic longevity is the ability to play with maximum ease and relaxation. This book deals with that ultimate goal.” —Leonard Felberg, Professor of Violin Emeritus, University of New Mexico “Combining her substantial training and personal research in the subjects of anatomy and physiology with a successful string teaching philosophy, SUSAN Kempter offers a unique perspective to conscientious string teachers. Through illustrations, photos and language, many common problems of violin playing that deal with the body and its use are identified, their detrimental effects explored, and solutions offered. No matter what approach or favorite techniques a teacher embraces, this book will provide food for thought, and undoubtedly open new avenues to consider. No string teacher’s vision is complete without it!” —Lorraine Fink, author, violinist, and Suzuki Teacher Trainer “… a treasure of information about the physical factors in violin study, written with a superb knowledge of physiology and kinesiology, and yet easily understandable to the reader without a background in exercise science. It should be part of every string pedagogy course.” —Kari Gunderson, Myofacial Therapist and Professor of String Pedagogy, Ohio State University “What an exciting new look at the development of technique—definitively unique among the available resources for teachers… The balance between principles and applications to violin playing and learning is just right. I am already viewing several of my current teaching challenges with new perspectives.” —Margaret Hawn, violinist and Suzuki specialist “… a concise, refreshingly practical, scientifcally researched, and easily usable educational tool. I highly recommend this thought-provoking manual to anyone involved with teaching, studying, and playing the violin.” —Helen Higa, certified Alexander Teacher, violinist and Suzuki specialist “…provides a major contribution to the application of various disciplines in the art of violin teaching. Its clear and interesting presentation of ideas is based on extensive eperience and careful research. In addition to the scientific validation of some techniques already in use by teachers, it introduces many new ways of thinking, and invites experimentation by the reader. A welcome addition to the field of pedagogy!” —John Kendall, Professor Emeritus, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville “…an excellent synthesis born from years of experience in performing, teaching, and research—A great resource for violin teachers and performers, and a must for every university pedagogy course.” —Louise Scott, Professor of Violin, Northern Arizona University “…an outstanding addition to violin pedagogy literature. It integrates important scientific knowledge with a rich understanding about violin playing and teaching. This work is strikingly original and the result of enormous creative thinking on the part of its author. Such a multidisciplinary approach to violin teaching is long overdue—and this book will no doubt make a powerful impact on all who read it.” —Nancy Uscher, Professor of Music and Associate Provost, University of New Mexico Publishing Information:This book can be ordered online through Amazon. Cover Design and photography: Jane Soyka © 2003, Summy-Birchard Music, all rights reserved |
| Last updated on Thursday, November 8, 2007 9:13 PM |
