Kelly Deklinski, reporter

Jo Martinie, a certified yoga instructor for ten years, and Richard Illman, professor of trumpet at Michigan State University and yoga practitioner for twenty years presented a demonstration of exercises that can be used by trumpet players to alleviate tension and performance anxiety as well as increase breath capacity. Illman prefaced the demonstration by explaining that one of the main obstacles for improvement on the trumpet is inner tension, and that this inner tension can be alleviated by an increase in self awareness through the practice of yoga techniques.

Martinie explained that incorporating yoga into trumpet playing can help to “build a stable foundation for playing.” She demonstrated exercises that can be used throughout the day; in warm-up, during performance and after performance, and for tension release in specific areas of the body. Illman acted as a model for each exercise while commenting on how each specifically related to trumpet playing. I, along with other conference attendees, followed along with these exercises diligently in my chair. As each exercise progressed, I could feel myself becoming more alert and less tense, and could sense the energy and enthusiasm building in the room. By the end of our session I felt stretched, relaxed, and ready to take on the day.