PHYSICAL MOVEMENT WHILE PERFORMINGThe following are discussions I've had regarding moving while playing in the last couple of months. Tim Janof I am a junior in highschool and principle in our orchestra. I also participate in a city highschool orchestra. After watching a video tape of a recent recital which I played in, I noticed how still I am. I sound expressive but I don't look expressive. I watch other people my age and see the same problem. How can I make myself move more? L. B. You need to make sure you are not tensed up first of all, which will prevent natural motions. Sit such that you can be more mobile. Also make sure you are relaxed and are breathing freely. I would recommend reading "New Directions in Cello Playing" by Victor Sazer to get tips on playing with minimal tension. The next step is to feel the music deep within yourself. If the music doesn't excite you to the core, you probably won't show it. I suspect as time goes by you will become more in touch with your emotions, that the music will affect you more and more, and that you will become less "embarrassed" to show your true feelings. In other words, give yourself a couple of years. The kind of motion you are yearning for comes with age. It sounds like you are on the right track. Keep up the good work.
Click on the jet to return to the second page of cello tips.