Research
Helen completed her MMus in Performance
Studies degree at Trinity College of Music in January 2007. This involved two years of study, culminating in the completion
of a final recital, a lecture recital, and a dissertation. This paper has since attracted wider interest, and she was invited
to give lecture presentations about her work at a number of conferences. This work has been a great influence upon her teaching
in particular, but in conjunction with much hands on practical experience and knowledge gained through application and experiment!
The paper is titled "Multiple facets of the centre of the body in the communication process in music performance:
perspectives from the worlds of music, dance and Eastern spirituality." She draws upon ideas presented in recent cognition
and perception literature, including the work of Jane Davidson and Aaron Williamon; theories from the world of dance including
the work of Mabel Todd and Rudolf Laban; and Eastern spiritual practices, such as the Japanese practice of "Hara"
and Iyengar Yoga. The examination of some of the inner processes at play in the process of music performance would be of
interest to any performing musician.
Conference invitations have included:
The International Society for the Study of Tension in Performance:
Conferences on Health and the Performing Arts - invited by Professor Carola Grindea, who was at the forefront of the field
of the study of body movement in performance for many years
Kingston Cello Festival, Kingston University - a
festival for cellists of a variety of ages and stages
Presentations for parents of current students
- Educating
the parents of students about the theory behind the work done with their children is important to help their understanding
of the process and to help them feel more involved in the development of their child. Having an opportunity to hear about
the work in presentations as well as being given direction in their reading to support their children's learning
can be very beneficial for all. This can be particularly relevant to students having lessons in situations where regular
observation is not possible.
Exchange
of ideas with people from within the music profession and from other related disciplines is encouraged. Please
email Helen if you are interested in discussing these ideas and this paper. She is always keen to exchange ideas with
other interested parties!
