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The study of body mapping reconnected me with the world in mind, body, and spirit. I quickly discovered that the process of seeking complete body awareness as a person and a musician requires determination and an endless supply of patience. Although there are many times where this journey seems overwhelming, the beauty of self discovery outshines the frustration of the transition of change.
I am currently a beginning voice major, pursuing a career in music education. I dealt with severe neck/shoulder tension as well as TMJ disorder for several years. For the longest time, I just accepted the pain as a “normal” occurrence and grew tolerant of discomfort even though it inhibited my musicianship as a singer and clarinetist.
By implementing body mapping techniques into my everyday lifestyle, however, I finally came to the brilliant realization that pain can be prevented through self care. Through rigorous self observation and excellent guidance and instruction, I learned how to recognize poor postural habits and made gradual self improvements over my short course of study. Now, my voice sustains for longer periods of time, and I have experienced glorious moments of tension free singing! The method and techniques of body mapping opens doors to all those searching for self realization and recovery. Improvement comes in small steps, which eventually leads to even greater strides. I strongly encourage any person to further explore the realms of this unique study. This is a life long journey which takes self commitment, an open mind, and determination, but the results create a beautiful and renewed connection with music and more importantly, life!
Elaina Frissell
- "I had been having wrist pain for years, and about a year ago I thought I would never be able to play the flute again. After "remapping" my body I can play for hours again without pain! I've been using the techniques on all my students and the difference in their sound is astonishing! I truly believe in the body mapping pedagogy and can't wait to keep spreading the word to more and more musicians!"
Jennifer A. Weiss
Clifton, NJ
- “I teach singing to actors at a university in Toronto and wish to make the students more aware of this topic as well as to try to influence the faculty to give this more importance. While the conducting institute was intense and in come respects overwhelming, the one thing on which I have been consistently aware is how my ‘map of reality’ about my body map is changing… it is very true that the brain is the key to the whole thing and the body will re-program when the correct information is available and awareness is heightened. The week of Body Mapping really impacted me in a truly significant way.
Thanking You,
Carol McFadden
Kitchener, ON Canada
- “Thank you for the wonderful workshops you gave at the convention. I am a Choral director and singer and was truly in awe of the information you shared. I am also a music therapist who specializes in relaxation therapy and voice problems, so I was very interested in the Body Mapping process.”
Thanks again,
Enid Bootzin, RMT, NHA
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“This summer session course (Beyond Beginning Choral Conducting) was absolutely incredible! I was excited about it just looking over the materials ahead of time, because it looked like a completely different approach to teaching conducting. The course concentrated on the physical aspects of conducting, using the study of movement as a foundation and we identified indications of tension in ourselves and by observing others. The group dynamic of the class was incredible. It was like the best ‘small group’ experience you’ve ever had. We shared openly, celebrated with one another, and created a safe place to try new things without fear of failure. I highly recommend this course or any seminar that Heather Buchanan teaches.”
Jeanne-Marie Rogers
Louisville, KY
- “Thank you so very much for coming to the ACC convention in New York earlier this month, and doing your workshops on Body Mapping, Conducting, and Rehearsal Techniques. I have to say that you were the sensation of the workshops, and everyone was asking me when they can work with you again! You are such an ideal pedagogue, and always easy to work with! Thank you for making this convention so special and sharing your gifts and talents and ideas with the wider cantorial world. I know they appreciated it as much as I did! I kept telling people, “I told you she was great!”
All the best and thank you again,
Cantor Jessica Levitt
Bloomfield, NJ
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