Abstract
Summary
Oral presentation
Presenters: Elvira van Groningen (BMus, MSc) & Tina Margareta Nilssen (Ph.d.-kandidat, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien (MDW))
Affiliation: Musicians’ Health and Movement Institute
Email: eyvangroningen@gmail.com
Posture, Performance and Ease of Playing -
Applying Timani for Effective and Sustainable Violin Playing
Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) are highly prevalent among musicians, particularly violinists. Addressing the need for effective and accessible interventions, this study examines the impact of selected Timani exercises on seated posture, physical discomfort, ease of playing, and performance, as well as participants’ experiences with the method. Timani is a somatic approach designed for musicians, combining expertise in functional body mechanics and musical performance. Prior research by Détári and Nilssen (2022) reported improvements in body awareness, motivation to change playing habits, self-confidence, and enhancements in sound, technique, and posture, alongside reduced physical discomfort.
In this study, 19 professional violinists were randomly assigned to either a Timani or control group in a mixed-method repeated-measures design. Both groups received a one-hour intervention aimed at improving seated posture and ease of playing. Quantitative data were gathered through pre- and post-intervention self-report surveys and were complemented by qualitative feedback from the Timani group, including follow-up reflections after seven days. Additionally, pre- and post-intervention video recordings were blindly evaluated by external assessors to provide objective ratings of posture and performance quality.
Although the sample size limited statistical significance, the results showed promising trends supported by medium to large effect sizes. Participants in the Timani group reported improved physical comfort, performance, posture, and ease in playing. Qualitative feedback suggested increased understanding of body mechanics related to violin playing, relevance to instrumental practice, and confidence in applying the exercises independently, with continued perceived benefits over the following week.
These findings offer empirical support for Timani as a promising tool in health promotion and performance enhancement. The approach may contribute to improved performance outcomes as well as the prevention and self-management of PRMDs by empowering musicians with greater body awareness and functional movement strategies. Further research with larger samples is needed to confirm these trends and explore long-term effects. The study aligns with ongoing efforts to promote sustainable and health-conscious practices in music education and professional performance.
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Détári, A., & Nilssen, T. M. (2022). Exploring the impact of the somatic method ‘Timani’ on performance quality, performance-related pain and injury, and self-efficacy in music students in Norway: an intervention study. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 834012.