Mathew Lee reviews Jennifer Roig-Francolí’s book based on her ‘Art of Freedom Method’, with a healthy dose of Alexander technique
Make Great Music with Ease! The Secret to Smarter Practice, Confident Performance, and Living a Happier Life
Jennifer Roig-Francolí
312PP ISBN 9798989027309
Creative Muse Publishing $16.99
In this book, Jennifer Roig-Francolí outlines her own methodology and approach to Alexander technique, with reference to the Roig-Francolí ‘Art of Freedom Method’. The book is spaciously laid out with clear print, making for ease of reading, and also provides ample space for making notes and marking the text, should that be required.
The style of writing is clearly American, and explores the author’s own pathway as a violinist, with all the frustrations and obstacles that arise from such a journey. It contains a variety of coping strategies and advice aimed at reducing both physical and mental stress, leading hopefully towards a more positive experience and final outcome for the reader. All strategies are backed up with examples from the author’s own coaching experiences, and validated with testimonials from a number of her students.
The core of the writing centres on Alexander technique, but elements of the philosophies and teachings of Kató Havas and Shinichi Suzuki are evident throughout. This, however, is not a book aimed purely at violinists, nor indeed at string players. Musicians in general and, to be honest, anyone involved in the performing arts, could benefit from some of the very valid strategies for overcoming the physical stresses and mental anxieties that invariably accompany a career in this difficult sector.
The book can be approached in a variety of ways. For those unfamiliar with the work of F.M. Alexander and his methodology, this publication will provide a good basic starting point, which could lead to further and more detailed research. For those readers with a broader knowledge and experience of the wider variety of approaches that encompass the fields of psychological and physical enabling strategies for performing artists, the book will be good to dip into for both inspiration and refreshment.
Read: Elements of Alexander Technique: discovering a natural approach to string playing
Read: Alexander technique: Thoughts that count
Read: New Alexander Technique wellbeing resource for musicians
Roig-Francolí provides access to a number of online resources throughout, and these encourage the reader to explore her work in greater depth. The aspect of her ‘no touch’ approach to Alexander technique and practices, developed alongside Mio Morales, are definitely worth exploring, particularly given the current climate, where respect of personal space and physical boundaries within teaching and coaching environments are becoming more of a recognised issue.
The writing style, as previously mentioned, has an American flavour to it, and could possibly be edited down to be more concise and succinct, but the author’s passion for and belief in her subject is evident throughout!
In conclusion, this publication is crammed with well-thought-out and solid advice for musicians and others involved in performance arts. It’s a big read, but worth exploring for the gems of insight and knowledge contained within its 312 pages.
MATHEW LEE
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