Integration Piano Week 2025 blends training and efficiency in a three-day workshop and shutting live performance that focuses on bringing classical music coaching along with the most recent in neuroscience, purposeful anatomy, and the Alexander Approach.
That is the primary time that the Integration Piano Technique will likely be formally introduced in Canada.
The occasion will likely be led by pianist and educator Yoshimi Ito and neuroscience researcher Shigeru Yamauchi, each visiting from Japan.
Yoshimi Ito is the founding father of the Integration Piano Technique and Academy, primarily based in Tokyo. She works with musicians to assist them play extra freely, and launch pointless rigidity.
Neuroscience & Alexander Approach Specialist Shigeru Yamauchi is a holistic practitioner, acupuncturist, and authorized Alexander Approach trainer with over 30 years of expertise. He’s co-director of the Integration Academy, bringing a science-informed method to artistry and efficiency.
The Alexander Approach
The Alexander Approach, developed by Frederick M. Alexander, makes use of an understanding of anatomy and neuroscience to enhance mind-body coordination, essential to musical efficiency. Born in 1869 in Tasmania, Alexander suffered from ill-health as a baby.
He was drawn to the humanities, and have become an elocutionist, or skilled reciter. Nonetheless, Alexander would undergo bouts of hoarseness, and had problem respiration on stage at occasions.
In his quest to seek out the foundation of the issue, he made vital discoveries in regards to the relationship between unconscious habits and the way they’ll have an effect on how we carry out sure acts at particular occasions, corresponding to on stage, or beneath stress.
In essence, The Alexander Approach entails being absolutely acutely aware of every part you might be doing, each small movement. It’s a way whose validity has been confirmed by physiologists since that point.
The Occasion
The workshop will discover the interconnections between motion, ache, and musical expression, and the way they’re processed within the mind and physique. It’s a science-informed different to the traditions of Western piano pedagogy.
Superior college students, lecturers, {and professional} musicians who’re coping with accidents or efficiency stress could significantly profit from the data.
Live performance: Threads of Time
The workshop ends with a live performance by performers — Mariko Minematsu, Yuka Kagami, Yoshiko Nagao, Naomi Harada, Ai Homma, and Mariko Avenesian — who’re educated on this methodology, demonstrating its technical and inventive affect.
We requested pianist and educator Yoshimi Ito just a few questions in regards to the occasion.
Yoshimi Ito: Q&A
LV: Why has physicality been ignored in efficiency coaching?
YI: Within the classical music world, the main target has historically been on interpretation, evaluation, and hours of follow on the instrument. Physicality — how the physique really strikes, balances, and helps musical expression — has typically been taken without any consideration. It was assumed that if you happen to practiced sufficient, the physique would “determine it out.” Sadly, that usually results in pointless rigidity, harm, or limitations in inventive freedom. What has been lacking is a scientific approach to join physique consciousness, neuroscience, and musical efficiency.
LV: Is the Alexander Approach changing into extra widespread?
YI: Sure — there may be positively extra consciousness at present. Many conservatories {and professional} organizations have began to introduce Alexander Approach, Feldenkrais, or different body-based approaches. Nonetheless, they’re typically provided as non-compulsory extras, not but absolutely built-in into the core of music training. Our method goes a step additional by combining Alexander ideas with present neuroscience and efficiency psychology, making it immediately related to the challenges musicians face on stage.
LV: Have you ever encountered resistance?
YI: There will be resistance, particularly from establishments the place custom runs deep. Some individuals really feel that specializing in the physique distracts from the “actual work” of music. However as soon as musicians expertise the distinction — feeling freer, extra expressive, much less ache — the resistance often dissolves. It’s much less about altering custom and extra about enriching it with instruments that permit musicians to flourish.
LV: What sort of affect does this science-informed method have?
YI: The affect is profound. On a purposeful degree, it helps performers play with much less effort, keep away from harm, and maintain lengthy careers. However it doesn’t cease there: when the nervous system is regulated and the physique is free, the music itself adjustments. Tone turns into extra resonant, timing extra natural, and expression extra genuine. It completely helps musicians develop into higher artists — not solely technically succesful, however in a position to transfer audiences with real presence.
- Discover particulars and details about the workshop October 21 to 23 at Heliconian Corridor [HERE].
- Discover details about the October 25 live performance on the Glenn Gould Studio [HERE].
Are you seeking to promote an event? Have a news tip? Have to know one of the best events taking place this weekend? Ship us a note.
#LUDWIGVAN
Get the each day arts information straight to your inbox.
Join the Ludwig Van Toronto e-Blast! — native classical music and opera information straight to your inbox HERE.
Anya Wassenberg is the Toronto Metropolis Editor at Ludwig Van. Beforehand, she was a contract author with a specialty in tradition and journey for 3 a long time, and a artistic writing teacher for Ontariolearn.
