intro:
This website documents the Violinist in Balance study at Utrecht School for the Arts between 2000 - 2005. For current information see www.artistinbalance.org
The research
Balance is the core of good playing technique but balance is often disturbed when playing with ill-fitting equipment. Neck and shoulders overwork to hold the instrument placed in an unhandy position. Freedom of movement suffers, and cramped playing can lead to technical frustration, discomfort, pain and injury.
Over a one year program, selected students progressively changed their equipment, unlearning cramped playing habits with the Alexander Technique, and overcame most of their playing difficulties.
Afterwards:
Our results were published online, and shortly afterwards we formed the Artist in Balance Institute. Through education, ergonomics and technology we aim to empower all players to improve their comfort and playing technique. Working with hundreds of musicians we developed the Violinist in Balance method. Today we apply interactive measuring techniques, use 3D design and printing to individually create custom chin rests and shoulder rests.
