Music heals, and a growing realisation of this fact has led to its application to various therapeutic purposes recently. But to be able to create impactful music, a sound mind and a sound body are vital
A recent yoga session at Juhu beach
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Music heals, and a growing realisation of this fact has led to its application to various therapeutic purposes recently. But to be able to create impactful music, a sound mind and a sound body are vital. “For musicians, sitting or standing in a certain posture is par for the course. Over the years, it takes its toll on the body,” says sitarist and yoga trainer Mandar Marathe, who will be conducting a masterclass called Yoga for Musicians at The True School of Music this Friday.
Mandar Marathe
Marathe’s holistic approach to yoga comprises asanas for removing blocks and stiffness in the body; pranayam or breathing techniques for enhancing oxygen supply within the body; meditation for increasing concentration and de- stressing self; mudras for preventing and curing certain ailments, and healing techniques.
“Years of riyaz creates imbalance in the body posture. Our legs demand support, and backache is a common problem among musicians,” says Marathe, who speaks from experience. “For singers, breathing capacity and tonal quality matter a lot for which yogic breathing techniques are beneficial,” he adds. For creativity to thrive, a calm mind is as crucial as a healthy body, and the two are intricately linked. Many musicians whom Marathe trains begin their mornings with yoga. The phenomenon is gaining currency in the West, too. Marathe recently travelled to Germany to demonstrate the importance of the ancient discipline to European musicians. “A musician is an ambassador of divinity,” says Marathe, “and he speaks the divine language through his body. It needs to be respected.”
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