Getting Physical

Posted by carterdewberry May 24th, 2011 21:40 | Music | 0 Comments

Playing cello is a sport. It may not burn as many calories as a pilates workout, but it requires strength, agility and endurance… especially endurance.

I first realized this when preparing to play the Dvorak Cello Concerto with my college symphony. Even though I had already learned the piece well enough to win a concerto competition, I was not prepared for the sheer physicality involved in pitting my one cello’s voice against a 65-piece orchestra. After the first rehearsal, I hit the gym. By the time of the performance, I was ready, musically and physically.

I never have forgotten this lesson. Last fall while on tour, one of my audience members commented on my upper arm muscles right after voicing his praise for my program. I replied that I needed to work out as much to be able to carry all my gear (cello, computer, amp, loop pedal, stool, CDs and other merch, etc.) as to perform. After taking another look onstage, he agreed — and offered to help carry my gear to my car out of respect.

My students look at me strangely the first time I ask them if they warm up their bodies before practicing. (Nearly all say no.) Once we complete a quick stretch sequence, however, they are amazed at how much their playing has already improved.

I am convinced that the level of my musicianship is directly tied to the level of my physical fitness. When I feel great in my body, I am much more free in my musical expression. I am looking for the next level in performance. As such, I have set my next fitness challenge. I am going to run a half marathon. Now I just need to decide on the race. And then the next performance.

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