Six 60-minute sessions on moving freely from the top of your head to the tips of your toes.

For all string players. Drawing on your body’s innate wisdom these classes help you warm up from your fingertips to the tips of your toes and in your hearts and minds. They are interactive so please come with your questions and observations. String players of all levels are welcome.

>> Follow this link to book all 6 sessions for £65 (saving £10).
Or book this single session for £12.50 using the booking form below.

7. Elbows and Wrists
Debunking the myth of fixed elbow and wrist positions for right and left sides of the body. In this class we explore how our elbows and wrists move fluidly as if through water when they are connected to the rest of our body through our musical intention.

8.The Bow ‘Hold’
Debunking the myth of the bow ‘hold or ‘grip’. In this class we learn to invite a friendly and listening relationship between our body and the bow, creating a connection that is fluid and that invites the bow to become like an extra limb?

9.Legato
Debunking the myth of the straight bow and consistent bow speed. In this class we will explore legato as a living, breathing, ever-changing link between one musical point and another and discover new ways to develop a legato that sings.

10. Breath
We breathe normally when we play but what does ‘normally’ mean when each of us, to some degree, has developed breathing patterns that have their roots in emotional or physical blockages. In this class we will find ways to engage with our breath in an active way, bringing our awareness to its wave-like shape and energy and freeing it up so it can support us in our movement and phrasing.

11. The Voices in our Heads
A critical look at self judgement and ‘positive thinking’. In this class we will explore the language we use with ourselves and our students, finding the hidden judgements that feed a sense of unworthiness. We will also explore how to develop clear observation that can enhance our practice and teaching.

12. Performance Anxiety or Stage Presence?
Limbering up does not just involve warming up the body. It involves clearing the mind to listen inwardly and finding the neutral place in-between striving and aversion that connects us to our own hearts and those of our audience. In this class we will look at ways we can weave this into our daily practice.

“What I have learned has transformed my playing into a more full body experience.I feel much more at ease and as a result have greater facility and expression in my movements resulting in significant increase in my playing ability.”
Brice, USA

“IAlthough our group came together as strangers, I quickly felt completely comfortable being open and vulnerable with you and the other participants. Thank you for fostering such an accepting, nonjudgemental spirit of curious exploration!”
Cynthia, USA

“Ruth helped me to become more present in my playing, and so aware in my body that over a few months I have noticed that the back pain that I used to get has completely gone.”
Lucy, Melbourne

Practical Information

Who is it for: All string players
Tutor: Ruth Phillips
Number of participants: up to 20
Length of session: 60 minutes
Number of sessions: 6 standalone or book all 6
Dates and times:. 10am-11am on Fridays | 30 April | 7, 14, 21, 28 May | 4 June 2021
Cost: £12.50 per session or book all 6 sessions for £65 (saving £10)

All sessions will be recorded. If you cannot make the time, worry not. The recording will be sent to all participants shortly after the class has ended. Since the classes are interactive, Ruth is happy to receive feedback and answer any questions from anyone unable to make the class live after you have viewed the class. If you would like to see the videos of any previous Limber Up! classes please contact Ruth directly and she will arrange the links to be sent to you.

What you need to bring:
Wear loose clothing

List of sessions in this series

>> Follow this link to book all 6 sessions for £65 (saving £10).
Or book this single session – 6: Integration – using the booking form below.