Six 45-minute sessions on moving freely from the top of your head to the tips of your toes.

Designed to give a warm-up for you as a whole musician, easing blockages and finding fluidity.

>> 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.

Part One: Posture

What is ‘good’ posture? And does such a thing really exist? In this series of short classes for cellists we will look at some of the messages we are given about how to sit, and we will ask ourselves if these messages are a help or a hindrance.

1. The Back
Debunking the myth of ‘the straight back’. When we explore how the breath moves the spine, we can find mobility in the torso that enhances our expression and eases our movement.

2. The Feet
Debunking the myth of ‘feet flat on the floor’. When we explore our feet not as solid things but as lively roots, we can find buoyancy, spring, energy, and grounding.

3. The Shoulders
Debunking the myth of ‘shoulders back and down’. When we unlock the shoulders so they are mobile and free, our arms can swing easily round the torso, promoting efficient movement and maintaining pulse.

Part Two: Moving from the core

How to find stillness in movement and movement in stillness.

4. Shifting
In this short class we will look at how the movement of even the smallest shift originates in the pelvis and flows through free joints into the string. We will also learn what we control and when we let go so that our shifts are free, accurate and expressive.

5. Vibrato
In this short class we will look at vibrato as a movement originating in the back. We will also look at different expressions of non-vibrato so that, rather than something sugary we either add, or not, to the sound, our vibrato becomes an organic response to our musical intention.

6. Integration
In this short class we will look at how we integrate the left and the right sides of our body through breath so that the movements of both come from a single central gesture which, in turn, comes from our response to the music. In this integration lies the potential to rest, listen, and follow the musical line we are weaving.

“I have had two separate shoulder injuries and feared that I would have to limit my playing time. Since working with Ruth I have actually been able to increase my playing time without further injury.”
Amanda, 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: Cellists (and other string players)
Tutor: Ruth Phillips
Number of participants: up to 12
Length of session: 45 minutes
Number of sessions: 6 standalone or book all 6
Dates and times: 2.30pm-3.15pm on Tuesdays | 1, 8, 15 December 2020 | 5, 12, 19 January 2021
Cost: £12.50 per session or book all 6 sessions for £65 (saving £10)

These classes will be available as recordings if you cannot make the time.

What you need to bring:
Wear loose clothing

List of all sessions in this series

>> Follow this link to book all 6 sessions for £65 (saving £10).
Or book this single session – 2: The Feet – using the booking form below.