Healthy Playing

Musicians, actors, speakers, and puppeteers are exposed to high demands during their studies and later professional careers. The preparation for entrance exams and the study of music or performing arts require various competencies and impose demands that, in addition to joy and enthusiasm for the profession, can also cause stress. In addition to the "normal" demands of a university education, practicing and performing require physical fitness, body agility, a present and clear mind, and an individually economical instrumental/vocal/verbal or body technique. Also important is the ability and courage to allow one's own feelings to flow into one's performance. Acting on stage means receiving applause and recognition, but also being exposed to the criticism of an audience, which can trigger various fears. A constantly high level of stress combined with a high release of adrenaline is often the case. It is now proven that stress is one of the main causes of various illnesses.

In addition to the courses at Kapfenburg, which are designed in two different formats, the project also includes expanding the course offerings and measures at the HMDK Stuttgart. This is intended to meet the already high demand on one hand and to reach even more students and teachers in the future who have not yet had any contact with the topic. Initially, the project team conducts an analysis of the actual needs at the HMDK Stuttgart, as well as taking stock of the currently available offerings and measures. Based on these foundations, further meaningful formats are developed.

Also included in the project is the future initiative Sirius 6.0, which is dedicated to the dissemination and further development of keyboards with reduced mensuration.

For the planning and implementation of the project, a core team has been formed, which is complemented by a slightly larger steering committee. Members of the core team include, in addition to the project leader Alexandra Müller and Mareike Riegert (project management assistant), as well as Prof. Ulrike Wohlwender and Prof. Klaus Dreher, Christine Breitbach (external consultant), Martin Beck and Jennifer Stösser (both from TK).

In addition to the members of the core team, the steering committee includes: Prof. Stefan Fehlandt (Vice-Rector), Dr. Cordula Pätzold (Faculty 1), Prof. Johannes Monno (Faculty 2), Frederik Zeugke (Faculty 4), Prof. Pia Podgornik (Faculty 4), Katja Schumann (Trust Lecturer, Faculty 4), Anna Zimmermann (Student Union - AStA) as well as Louisa Eckl (Schloss Kapfenburg) and Angelika Heydt (psychological counseling).

March 8th–10th, 2023
with Prof. Ulrike Wohlwender (piano pedagogy, music physiology) and Alexandra Müller (music physiology/project management)

10 pianists and 6 organists attended the "Playing Healthily" course for the first time, held from March 8th to 10th, 2023 at Schloss Kapfenburg. Under the guidance of Prof. Ulrike Wohlwender and Alexandra Müller, students enjoyed exploring their physical and emotional well-being, optimizing individually healthy playing spaces. Through collective intelligence, "challenging passages" were examined from a music physiology, technical, and artistic perspective, and practice strategies were tested in the spirit of Differential Learning. Through various exercises focusing on body awareness, regeneration, and recovery, senses were sharpened for the subtlest aspects of movement and alignment, breathing, and contact. During the evening performance training by the two SGM instructors from the HMDK Stuttgart, stage presence transformed and handling stage fright was addressed through reflection and playful experimentation together. Schloss Kapfenburg was a wonderful location and host for this experience!

20th–24th March 2023
with Prof. Johannes Monno and Prof. Tilman Reinbeck, Anja Freytag (HfM Berlin, Music Physiology), and Angelika Heydt (Psychological Counseling in cooperation with the HMDK)

The days at Schloss Kapfenburg were a fantastic experience for everyone involved. The combination of practical exercises, lectures, individual sessions, and the harmonious togetherness in the wonderful premises of Schloss Kapfenburg has deeply inspired us all. "How can I visualize a protected space around me?" In her introduction, Angelika Heydt conveyed through a simple but very impressive exercise with a rope how one can set and perceive boundaries and how much "personal space" one needs around oneself. A very coherent "warming up" program and a special "short program" for the specific preparation before a recital or a concert was developed by Anja Freytag with the group. Initial insights could be tested and applied during a workshop concert. The hall was packed, and the audience was absolutely thrilled. A feedback session the next morning provided an opportunity to collectively reflect on personal experiences and exchange insights. Additionally, the findings could be discussed individually in one-on-one sessions with the instructors, allowing for very specific addressing of personal concerns. Furthermore, the group took on various chamber music projects that were presented during the workshop concert.

The period from Monday to Friday offers a unique opportunity to delve intensively into the theme of "health and well-being" related to "playing, practicing, performing, and mindfulness" in a fantastic environment.
All students and the team including Alexandra Müller, Angelika Heydt, Anja Freytag, Prof. Tillmann Reinbeck, and Prof. Johannes Monno greatly enjoyed these intensive and eventful days.

11th–15th September 2023
with Prof. Teru Yoshihara and Prof. Thilo Dahlmann, Anja Freytag (HfM Berlin, Music Physiology) and Angelika Heydt (Psychological Counseling in cooperation with HMDK)

For 4 days, 16 singers from the vocal classes of Prof. Teru Yoshihara and Prof. Thilo Dahlmann had the pleasure of enjoying the course "Playing Healthy" at Schloss Kapfenburg. Through shared warm-up and relaxation sessions, many unknown muscles and nerves were explored and activated. From the sole of the foot to the top of the head, with the body operating at full capacity, the benefits of an activated body and released endorphins for singing were immediately experienced in open vocal lessons. Individual sessions with psychotherapist Angelika Heydt and music physiologist Anja Freytag provided space to identify and work on personal challenges in body and mind. During shared meals and rounds of billiards, there was regularly time and space to exchange experiences. In the open team teaching of Prof. Dahlmann and Prof. Yoshihara, the 16 singers briefly formed a joint vocal class. This "Kapfenburg Vocal Class" was able to test their insights and experiences in a "real-life" situation during the final concert and present successes to a large audience. We thank all the lecturers for an incredibly appreciative atmosphere and very valuable thought and work impulses. We hope that in the future more students will have the opportunity to benefit from similar formats.
Jan-Henrik Witkowski

"The masterclass at Schloss Kapfenburg was enriching in many ways. One major point was the great atmosphere, which emanated not least from the lecturers and permeated the whole group. Additionally, the different aspects: practical bodywork, psychological and psychohygienic insights, and of course, the technical vocal instruction. All these parts complemented each other perfectly, and for me, the bodywork by Anja Freytag in connection with the teaching of our two professors Thilo Dahlmann and Teru Yoshihara was a special gain."
Giorgia Cappello, student

29.09.–01.10.2023 
with Alexandra Müller (Music Physiology/Project Management) and Angelika Heydt (Psychological Counseling in cooperation with the HMDK)

The topics of the weekend such as opportunities and dealing with versatility, burnout prevention, handling stress and high demands, and regeneration have already been tailored to the wishes of the students resulting from the major student survey conducted this May. A questionnaire specifically designed for the music education students will further reveal the direction in which the students desire changes.

During the weekend at Kapfenburg Castle, the open exchange was especially valued, and the cheerful group left the castle with new ways to meet the demands of music education:

"The seminar days on musician health at Kapfenburg Castle were truly a balm for body and soul. From theoretical input on stress formation, practical application through guided meditation and physical exercises to psychotherapeutic individual counseling - we experienced true relaxation and a little break from everyday life in the beautiful surroundings of Kapfenburg Castle, and were offered numerous opportunities and techniques to best integrate relaxation into our busy study routine. Many thanks to all involved, and especially to the two instructors Alexandra Müller and Angelika Heydt!"
Mira Uhde

"The music physiology weekend at Kapfenburg Castle was a perfect opportunity to take a deep breath and center oneself before the start of the semester. Thanks to the exchange with others and the great input from the instructors, we found many ways to handle our sometimes overwhelming studies in a healthy and relaxed manner. The health of our bodies and minds is often neglected in the stress of studies, even though they are essential. I am glad that the HMDK offers seminars on this topic and that it is gaining more importance."
Jael Götz

"Just before the semester, Kapfenburg provided a great opportunity to breathe deeply and face the supposed stress of the semester calmly. It is great that the university offers something for the physical and mental health of the students. As a music educator, stress is a familiar concept, and it feels good to be able to exchange experiences with other students about the demands of the degree program."
Elias Fried

"For a weekend, 16 music education students had the opportunity to feel peace and relaxation away from the stress of university life and exams. Kapfenburg provided sleeping arrangements, seminar rooms, and catering once again, forming the perfect place for introspection. Lectures on stress management and inner peace, psychological counseling, several performance training sessions with discussions, and guided meditations by Alexandra Müller and Angelika Heydt were the main components of the days."
Denis Makra

"During the weekend at the beautifully located Kapfenberg, I got to know the offerings of the Health/Prevention department of our university. They advocate for us, know how we are doing, and understand what is important for our physical and mental health. That is a good feeling. I learned in the workshop how much physical exercises or the right approach to time and stress can make a difference, and will integrate it into my study routine. The psychological individual counseling is also a valuable service."
Iolanthe Koecher

"The combination of the relaxed atmosphere at Kapfenburg, exchanging with fellow students, and of course the beautiful weather was great. I will definitely incorporate the various physical exercises we did into daily life. The performance training was also very enriching."
Annika Kühn

At the start of the winter semester 2023/24, the Jazz/Pop Institute spent three days at Castle Kapfenburg. Together with numerous lecturers, the students of the institute used this time to spend intensively together, exchange ideas, and make music together. In an environment and with a number of participants that is not common in everyday university life, structural conditions were discussed under the guidance of Sun Hee Martischius. These conditions concern an institution like a state university and how the people involved in these structures want to interact and communicate with each other. Together with Stephan Berg, physical and mental health were explored. Specialized courses for individual instrument groups explored how practicing and living as a musician can be more in harmony and healthier. In-depth conversations and practical exercises helped in this regard. In addition to that, various music practical events took place, focusing on topics such as music theory, better interaction between rhythmic group instruments, or the Polyvagal Theory. There was also an open space with Eckhard Stromer to provide guidance for questions arising in personal musical projects, and practical answers were sought together. Christian Weidner gave a lecture on self-organization strategy based on the book "Getting Things Done," with an introduction in the morning and a seminar in the afternoon. Another major part of the program was a half-day lecture by Rainer Tempel, who examined the effects of the digital age on musical activities and life. Especially in relation to university life, the evaluation focused on how digital usage affects us, what the advantages and disadvantages are, and how we as a community want to deal with it. Aside from the scheduled events, there was always plenty of time for personal reflection and socializing. Each evening, the jam sessions, which lasted late into the night, provided an opportunity for further musical collaboration, socializing, and discussions about the events of the day. Since the excursion took place at the beginning of the semester when new jazz students arrive at the university, it created a different opportunity for getting to know each other that facilitated a quicker and more intense integration into the new environment, compared to the usual brief encounters in the cafeteria. The trip to Kapfenburg was a great success, allowing everyone to learn a lot about themselves and about being part of a community that arises from the institution.
Marc Sickinger "Teambuilding, socializing, making and deepening friendships – all of this could be experienced at Castle Kapfenburg. This semester kick-off was a real enrichment for the start of my master's studies: a study program that only leads to success when done as a team."
Christoph Müller "As a freshman, I had the opportunity to get to know almost all of my fellow students and lecturers from the Jazz/Pop Institute in advance during the three days at Kapfenburg, which made me much more relaxed starting my first week of lectures. Additionally, due to the variety of workshops, we were able to learn and gain insights in various different areas. The program was very diverse, and there was something for everyone. I'm glad I had the opportunity to start my studies with such an excursion and would definitely do it again!"
Louisa Edel "Kapfenburg Excursion - A very enriching experience on a communal, musical, and individual level that should definitely be repeated."
Jasmin Kleinheins

11th-15th March 2024
with Hugo Rannou, Prof. Mathias Weber, Prof. Öykü Canpolat-Rast, Anja Freytag (HfM Berlin, Music Physiology) and Angelika Heydt (Psychological Counseling in collaboration with HMDK)

From 11th to 15th March 2024, 16 deep string players, from viola downwards, gathered at Kapfenburg to experience the holistic course "Playing Healthy" under the guidance of Hugo Rannou, Prof. Matthias Weber, and Prof. Öykü Canpolat-Rast. In addition to the musical work of the three instructors, they were also supported by Anja Freytag from HfM Berlin, who provided music physiological care, and Angelika Heydt, who offered psychological counseling. Even during this course, the typical "Kapfenburg feeling" arose shortly after the beginning. A feeling of togetherness, warmth, joy of playing, and increased expressiveness and performance capability. However, the performance was not "forced" but rather "played", which was a completely new experience for some:

"We had four wonderful days at Kapfenburg, which helped me develop musically and personally. The joint warm-ups and the focus on working with the body contributed to a different feeling while playing and made warming-up on the instrument quicker. Particularly beautiful were the joint improvisation and warm-up sessions with the other cellists, as well as the jointly developed program that we were able to present in parts during the concert. I also found the honest and often funny conversations on an equal level with everyone, including the professors, very pleasant."
Sarah (cellist)

"I really enjoyed the nearly four days at Kapfenburg. The course on physiological health left many positive impressions. Exercises for self-massage, stretching, and getting the circulation going immediately had an effect, and one could play in a more relaxed manner. Kapfenburg is situated in an extremely beautiful and peaceful location, and during a short hike in the surroundings of the castle, one can digest the learned contents and lunch very well."
David (double bass player)

"What I particularly liked about the 'Playing Healthy' course was how well the contents we received as a group were complemented by individual coaching sessions. This gave us the opportunity to address individual topics/questions/difficulties again and find solutions, such as specific exercises. Overall, I found it very enriching and enjoyed getting such an intense access to the field of musician's health, specifically - physiology together with the other students during this time, regardless of that, and also making music together."
Daniela (violist)

15-17.03.2024
with Alexandra Müller (Music Physiology/Project Management) and Judith Buchmann (ZHdK Zurich, Oboe and Music Physiology)

Immediately following the deep string players, woodwind and brass players were invited to a taster course in music physiology from March 15 to 17, 2024 at Kapfenburg. Judith Buchmann, an oboist who teaches music physiology at the Zurich University of the Arts, was engaged as a competent lecturer. Her special focuses were on topics like breathing, mental training, and stage fright strategies. These areas were complemented by Alexandra Müller's instruction in presence/relaxation/regeneration. Both lecturers then led the stage performance training that took place in the evening.

Here are a few highlights:
"From March 15 to 17, I was at Kapfenburg with other students from HMDK Stuttgart for a course within the project 'Playing Healthy'. The main topics of breathing, posture, mental training, regeneration/recovery, as well as presence and stage performance training were taught by the lecturers Judith Buchmann and Alexandra Müller. A suitable balance between theory and practice allowed me to internalize the learned content well. Appropriate breaks between sessions also provided enough space for relaxation or individual discussions for more detailed questions or issues. For me, the content around visualization and creating a thought plan was of central importance. The course at Kapfenburg also offers a place to unwind and relax due to its great location. I will recommend the courses at Kapfenburg to my fellow students as emotional and physical well-being is of great importance to us as artists." Matthias Marszalek

"A weekend at Kapfenburg and peace, spirit of discovery, and joy set in! The shared exploration of topics such as breathing, mental training, managing stage fright, regeneration and recovery, and the opportunity to participate in stage performance training opened up a vast playing field on which we were allowed to move with curiosity and a sense of adventure. The seminar invites everyone to delve into joint research and experimentation in a playful and light-hearted way to find out which exercises, thoughts, and insights help each individual. The exchange among everyone, the mutual participation, shared experiences, searching, and finding have a strong binding effect and form the basis for openness and the courage to show oneself in the group and also to face possible challenges with joy. This created a warm, trusting group dynamic. The two lecturers, Alexandra Müller and Judith Buchmann, are simply fantastic! Very attentive and sensitive, with a great understanding of the challenges of being a musician, they tuned in to the different questions and needs of the participants and supported us in all aspects. A place like Kapfenburg is particularly suitable for such a seminar. In the beautiful, quiet rooms nestled in nature, it is easy to leave everyday life behind and fully engage in the learning and experimentation processes. Now I am excited to incorporate my newly gained and deepened insights into my daily practice and see what changes." Caroline Fischbeck

January 10-12, 2025
with Sabine Naunheim (speech therapist focusing on voice and singing, body therapist), Silke Kaiser (vocal coaching specialist, vocal methodology/didactics), Alexandra Müller (music physiology / head of health/prevention department / head of SGM)

It was bitterly cold when in January 2025, 16 singers from the HMDK set off towards Schloss Kapfenburg. A few hours later, even the most cold-sensitive individuals had become quite warm: under the guidance of the experienced speech therapist, breath-voice-and-speech therapist Sabine Naunheim, everyone was thoroughly put into motion and experienced in various ways the direct connections between the body instrument voice and targeted movements such as balancing, bending and stretching, as well as opening, closing, and swinging rotations both as a group and in individual work.

The program was complemented by the instructors Alexandra Müller and Silke Kaiser from the HMDK: We contributed additional information and exercises on regeneration and recovery, stage presence, as well as vocal hygiene and physiologically sound practice. Opportunities for very personal professional discussions also emerged here and there, which the students particularly appreciated.
In the evenings, relaxation and joyful social contacts were the order of the day - "playing healthy" in the literal sense.

As instructors, it was a great pleasure for us to experience the openness, concentrated friendly interaction, and open atmosphere among the students from various vocal classes. All students indicated in their feedback that they would recommend "Playing Healthy" at Kapfenburg to their fellow students. So let's hope that as many HMDK Stuttgart students as possible will have the opportunity to recharge their health at Schloss Kapfenburg!
Silke Kaise

From 17 to 21 March 2025, the percussion classes of the HMDK spent an intense time at Kapfenburg Castle. 20 students from the classical percussion and jazz & pop percussion departments dedicated themselves to the topic of musician health integrated into the concert preparation for the "Talking Drums" concert in the castle's concert hall on 19 March 2025.

In various workshops on music physiology and musician psychology, they worked together on how physical and mental health in the musician profession can be protected. At the same time, under the direction of Prof. Klaus Dreher and Eckhard Stromer, the group developed a diverse concert program including works by Maurice Ravel, Steve Reich, Neal Hefti, and King Crimson. The musical week culminated in an impressive final concert.

As you know, I’m interested in a more holistic approach to musicians’ education, one that focuses not only on mastering the instrument, but also on conscious body awareness and psychological self-sufficiency.

I recently had the chance to attend a course called “In der Ruhe liegt die Kraft” (In Calmness Lies Strength), organized within the @hmdk_stuttgart project “Spielend gesund” (Playing Healthy) with Health Partner @die_techniker

Over the course of four days, we discussed and worked on topics that musicians don’t often get to talk about: how to deal with stress, how to stay calm, and how to find both psychological and physical comfort before and during performances. The course took place at Kapfenburg Castle @schlosskapfenburg, an inspiring setting that perfectly matched its theme.

It’s great that such opportunities exist, and that at HMDK Stuttgart there is a whole range of courses on this topic, which I have also attended and consider an essential part of our education.
Are these topics relevant for you too?

Direction

• Anja Freytag (Physiotherapy, musicphysiology HfM Hanns Eissler Berlin)
• Alexandra Müller (music physiology, musicians health, director SGM)
• Angelika Heydt (Psychotherapist, Psychotherapeutic Counseling)