Name
Why sitting straight is not enough - Exploring seated movement coordination in musicians through Timani
Date & Time
Monday, July 27, 2026, 4:35 PM - 5:05 PM
Description
Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders are highly prevalent among musicians and are frequently linked to postural inefficiencies - issues that occur more often in seated than in standing performance (Blanco-Piñeiro et al., 2015). As most musicians spend the majority of their professional careers sitting, effective preparation for this physical reality is essential. Musicians need practical tools to develop and maintain sustainable sitting and movement strategies during playing, and educators must be equipped to teach these effectively. The Timani method - a somatic approach combining cutting-edge functional body mechanics with musical performance - offers a promising framework to address this pedagogical gap, supporting both physical wellbeing and artistic development.This study examined whether a targeted Timani intervention could improve seated playing posture, reduce discomfort, and enhance ease of playing and performance quality among professional violinists, while exploring participants’ experiences of learning and applying these principles. Using a mixed-method, repeated-measures design, 19 professional violinists were randomly assigned to either a Timani or control group. Both groups received a one-hour intervention focused on seated posture and ease of playing, but only the Timani group was instructed in specific seated coordination exercises designed for musicians. Data were collected through pre- and post-intervention self-report surveys, qualitative feedback - including follow-up reflections after seven days - and blinded independent evaluations of pre- and post-intervention recordings to assess posture and performance.Results revealed that almost all participants experienced discomfort while playing seated, with only one participant reporting no pain or discomfort in the shoulders or arms. Notably, only two violinists preferred sitting, while most favoured standing for greater freedom of movement. Following the Timani intervention, participants reported substantial improvements in physical comfort - particularly in the shoulders and arms - along with enhanced posture, ease, and performance quality. Qualitative feedback confirmed positive effects on physical, musical, and psychological aspects of playing, including more effortless sound production, greater freedom, power, movement efficiency, and a stronger sense of grounding and confidence.This study highlights the importance of integrating seated coordination into musicians’ education and professional development. Providing practical tools for posture and movement supports not only industry readiness but also long-term health and wellbeing - key themes within professional musicianship and higher education. Moreover, it demonstrates how targeted interventions like Timani can empower musicians with functional movement strategies that address the physical demands of professional performance, and can build bridges between musicians’ health, music performance, and education.
Location Name
512B
Full Address
Palais des Congres - Montréal Convention Centre
1001, Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle
Montreal QC H2Z 1H2
Canada
Session Type
Paper Presentation
Presenting Author(s)
Tina Margareta Nilssen