Yoga for Musicians

Based on my own experiences as a professional violist, I developed a special practice for my colleagues and have taught Yoga for Musicians since 2005 in conservatoires, art universities and orchestras, in workshops and privately in Switzerland, Finland and elsewhere in Europe.

Why I prefer teach musicians a bit different? A musician myself, I know the challenges of the profession, and have developed a unique way to serve colleagues with my knowledge. Playing an instrument is very physical work, often in unnatural positions and in less than ideal conditions. Instruments shape the body in a certain way, which in turn affects not only your playing but everyday life, and even your yoga practice. With the help of certain kind of yoga practice and with an experienced teacher, it is possible to relieve tension, create strength, correct misalignments and increase the ability to concentrate. In the beginning of my yoga path, I myself faced the challenge that no matter how good the teacher is, for a non-musician, however, it is nearly impossible to understand how hard musicians work, or the way in which musicians use their bodies, which often necessitates modifications and special attention in yoga classes to prevent injuries and create more good than harm.

Not only instrumentalists, but also singers and conductors (as well as many office workers who are using lots of computer and fingers!) have founded my classes helpful. Classes are not limited for musicians only, even though the programme is designed with them in mind. Everyone can benefit from these lessons, and students from any profession and background are welcome.

Since 2018 I have been teaching Yoga for Musicians in the Sibelius Academy/ University of the Arts Helsinki, where I also lecture about the topic. I taught the same subject for hundreds of musicians in the Zürich University of the Arts / Zürcher Hochschule der Künste during the years 2007-2023. I have given courses and workshops for example in Etelä-Pohjanmaan kesäyliopisto/Summer University of South Ostrobothnia (Finland), Conservatory of Granada (Spain), The Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Opera Academy Zürich (Switzerland).

You can read impressions from my Yoga for Musicians -classes under the headline "From the Students".