The Healthy, Resonant Flutist

Pilates, Physics, and

The Healthy, Resonant Flutist

A Study by Interlochen Arts Academy Faculty

Nancy Stagnitta Loudenslager, Instructor of Flute

Nicola Conraths–Lange, Instructor of Dance and Pilates

Taoufik Nadji, Instructor of Physics and Mathematics

Interlochen Arts Academy Flute Studio

Experiment Protocol / Pilot Study

February, 2011

How Alignment & Proper Breath Control Enrich the Sound Quality in Flute Playing

Researchers:
Nancy Stagnitta Loudenslager, Instructor of Flute

Nicola Conraths-Lange, Instructor of Ballet and Pilates

Taoufik Nadji, Instructor of Physics and Mathematics

Goal:
To measure the effect of proper alignment and the resulting ease of movement, improved lung function, and ability to engage internal resonating chambers on the harmonic spectrum of flute tone through Pilates based exercises.

Protocol:

· Students warmed up their instruments as a group, then three students were chosen to record octave slurs, G4-G5-G5, first without vibrato and then with vibrato.

· Treatment:
The exercise class was 20 minutes in length. It focused on the following:
Breathing (Lower, middle, upper Thoracic)
Chest expansion (for enhanced lung capacity) - spiral stretch
Spinal articulation and elongation (for optimal alignment) - bridge
Core strength in neutral alignment (to encourage upper lower body connectivity and enhanced support while standing/sitting)
Hip Flexor stretch

Massage (to enhance all over blood circulation)

Child’s pose

Downward Dog

Standing: Upper, Middle, Lower Thoracic Breathing

· These students were then re-recorded post-treatment.

Outcome:

· Although the students were not given specific instructions as to the length of the slurs they played, every student played for a longer duration, some by 2-3 seconds.

· The students’ sonograms displayed greater harmonic amplitude, both in terms of presence and variety of existing harmonics.

· In every case, the students’ vibrato showed greater regularity and greater relationship to the fundamental harmonic structure of the tone.

Sonogram photographs

The first photo represents a student’s sonogram recording of the G4-G5-G4 slur, non vibrato, prior to doing the exercises. The second photo shows the same slur, played directly after completion of the exercises.

This sonogram photograph shows the same slur played with vibrato. The first photo shows the shape of a professional flutist’s vibrato; the second shows a student’s vibrato before doing the exercises; and the third shows the same student’s vibrato directly after doing the exercises.

Links to Interlochen Arts Academy Music Wellness Videos

Developed by Nicola Conraths-Lange, MA, Instructor of Dance, Stott Pilates

Stretching with Foam Roller

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpwRhaTLFq8&feature=em-share_video_user

Massage with Foam Roller

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_haCkmLbm1I&feature=em-share_video_user

Body Conditioning for Musicians (1)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5RvKlY5oPo

Body Conditioning for Musicians (2)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w53lgZsCJW8

Body Conditioning for Musicians (3)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8s3fo7dCvw

Warm Up for Orchestral Musicians

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_JwOdp3Wb4

Contact Information

Nancy Stagnitta Loudenslager

231.276.7826

www.NancyStagnitta.com

Nicola Conraths-Lange

Taoufik Nadji