Muse Muscle: A Revolutionary Approach to Musicians’ Health and Performance

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Muse Muscle is an innovative method designed specifically for musicians to enhance their well-being and prevent performance-related injuries. Developed by a team of musicians and experts in injury prevention, it focuses on improving motor skills and fostering true kinesthetic awareness through off-instrument exercises and complementary techniques. This approach promotes fluid, tension-free movements during music performance and teaches musicians to engage their entire body efficiently, rather than relying solely on their hands and wrists. By doing so, it helps reduce the risk of overuse in smaller muscle groups, contributing to healthier, more sustainable playing habits.

Behind the method

Mohammad Mehdi Babaei began this research following an incident in a class that he was teaching. Despite repeated instruction, one of his students found it difficult to comprehend a technique. Frustrated, Babaei sent the student out of class, but later realised that the difficulty could be due to physical limitations. So, he reached back out to the student with an apology and a plan. After incorporating some basic off-instrument exercises, the student was able to perform the proper technique. This experience inspired Babaei to further his research. He started to study anatomy with a professor at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in Iran and began to compare musicians with athletes. Despite their differences in activities, he discovered that both groups use specific muscles and movements in similar ways, making them susceptible to injuries. With this in mind, Babaei started to develop training and practice routines for musicians modeled after those used by athletes.

How the method works

After years of research and collaboration, the Muse Muscle method was developed around five core principles: awareness, fine motor skills, tension-free off-instrument exercises, complementary techniques, and personalised practice routines. The research identified eleven interconnected factors essential for music performance: flexibility, weight, separation, independence, unity, cohesion, stretch, coordination, delicacy, concentration, strength, and pace. A defining feature of the method is its more than 150 unique off-instrument exercises, designed around these factors to address all key aspects required for musical performance. They aim to enhance both fine and gross motor skills necessary for playing an instrument, helping musicians avoid the repetitive strain often associated with traditional instrument practice. Muse Muscle exercises are categorised into two main groups: full-body and wrist-hand, and further divided into six subcategories: tension relief, separations, unity and cohesion, balancing, stretching, and two cerebral hemispheres. By learning and practising these exercises, musicians can improve their flexibility, dexterity, coordination, posture, energy flow, and performance.

Key features that distinguish the Muse Muscle method from other approaches include:

a. Off-instrument exercises specifically tailored to the unique needs of musicians.

b. Individually designed practice schedules that consider various factors such as the type of instrument, performer’s age, gender, muscle tone, mental state, diet, goal, and more.

c. Complementary techniques, including mirrored instruments, tapes, and weights

Mirrored Instrument technique involves reversing the instrument’s configuration, requiring musicians to use their opposite hands. By disrupting established motor habits, this technique exposes incorrect practices, enabling musicians to recognize and address unnecessary tension when they return to their regular playing technique.

Tapes are skin-friendly adhesive tapes that improve body awareness and technique via enhancing energy line flow.

Weights are ball- and almond-shaped metal tools that help musicians regain their body’s natural weight and engage larger muscle groups in performance to reduce overuse of smaller muscles.

Presentations and Recognition

Since its introduction, this method has successfully helped a large number of music students relieve pain associated with performance. It has been presented at prestigious venues, including the American String Teachers Association (ASTA), the University of Central Oklahoma, Tehran University of Art, Unison Orchestra Live, Seitz String Pros, IMA Music Academy, Gaam Music School, and the Varna Summer International Music Festival. Additionally, it has been featured in the Grossman Newsletter. Currently, this method is being taught at Geib Musik, a well-known studio in Edmond, Oklahoma, run by University of Central Oklahoma School of Music professors and has produced excellent results thus far.

How Do I Learn Muse Muscle?

Muse Muscle is usually taught over a series of private lessons. Throughout the course, the teacher presents specific exercises tailored to the players’ needs and level and assists students in understanding how the neurological, muscular, and skeletal systems should function for each exercise and, later, for each technique on the instrument. Each week, students are taught different exercises and given a personalised practice schedule that includes the specific exercises to be performed, the number of repetitions, rest intervals, designated practice and recovery days, recovery techniques, and warm-up and cool-down routines. Additional instructions are also provided to optimize performance and prevent injury. To find a teacher in the United States, go to: https://www.geibmusik.com/about-us

You can register for lessons at Geib Musik, where Yasaman Seif teaches Muse Muscle.

In conclusion, Muse Muscle is a comprehensive approach designed to address gaps in traditional music education. It emphasises the importance of off-instrument exercises, fine motor skills, body balance, health, complementary techniques, and individuality. By integrating athletic training principles with a holistic approach to musicianship, Muse Muscle aims to enhance both the overall well-being and performance of musicians.