Inadequate physical patterns in musical performance of violin students

Abstract

This article, a summary of the Master thesis (2008), discusses the observation and evaluation of physical problems presented by six Bachelors students of the Music School of UFMG (Brazil), in their violin practice. Data was collected through observation, films and photos of six violin students at four different situations of performance in the context of their program, besides the physiotherapeutic assessments held in the office of the physiotherapist researcher. This data was then submitted to a panel composed of four observers, health and music specialists. The analysis of this data reveals that the six violin students showed inappropriate physical patterns that could jeopardize their performance as well as their health. Also, a bibliographic survey related to the Anatomy, Biomechanical and Kinesiology was conducted. It is hoped that this research draws the attention of violinists and violin teachers to the importance of body consciousness whilst performing the instrument, emphasizing the need to maintain the symmetry and body relaxation of those parts involved in the act of playing the violin.