Joseph, a teacher and performer in the Washington area for many years, expanded her interests to help other musicians maximize performance, reduce stress, and avoid injuries. In addition to breaking up practice time, she advocates a variety of approaches. When we re nervous, Joseph explained, many people breathe shallowly. She remembers feeling lightheaded and dizzy before performances. When you re nervous, she says, remember to breathe deeply.
Breathing fills the body and the muscles with oxygen.
Muscles that are overused, fatigued, and underconditioned are more tense and require more work for a demanding task. Untoned muscles are less resilient and more injury-prone. Here are just a few of Joseph s recommended stretches. All should be done slowly. Shrug shoulders up and down.