Music

Your body is the first and most fundamental instrument you play. The way you use your body profoundly influences your ability to play any other instrument (be it piano, violin, or clarinet). Your physical engagement directly shapes your tone, fluidity, and control over your musical instrument.

Regardless of whether you're seated at the piano or standing while playing the flute, your legs are crucial for creating a foundation that supports upper body openness, enabling your arms and hands to operate freely and with precision clarity and control.

I regard my years of lessons with Ari as one of the most valuable things I have done for myself. Aside from resolving debilitating injuries and a chronic back condition, they had a profound effect on my piano practice. As my overall movement improved, the touch of my fingers on the piano became more subtle, fluid and powerful. The physical changes were accompanied by a new level of mental clarity which freed me from the need for long hours of daily practice. I came to understand what the renowned pianist Arthur Schnabel used to say: ‘I do not practice much; I go for a walk.’ Likewise, I go for a walk; I clear the piece in my mind, I sit at the piano and within half an hour I am done.

Arthur Lambert, Professor Emeritus, SDSU Music Dept.