Private Sessions

Aston-Patterning® sessions for musicians follow the same general format as regular private sessions, incorporating activity pre-tests, bodywork and/or movement coaching, post-tests, and client-specific applications.

Musicians are encouraged to bring their instrument to each session, so that they can better experience changes in their body in relationship to their musical performance. Playing serves as a great biofeedback tool in the exploration of new movement and postural patterns; you can often hear an immediate improvement in your tone (this is true not only for wind and string players, but vocalists and pianists as well) and experience a greater range of motion through the shoulders (especially important for string players, pianists and percussionists), both of which serve as great impetuses to make lasting changes.

Sessions can focus on a particular interest, such as injury prevention or overuse concerns, or can just concentrate on neutralizing tension and optimizing body usage, with an emphasis on improving overall musical performance.

Over the years, I have tried virtually every kind of bodywork there is in order to relieve my pain, and to improve my posture and movement in daily activities, including my musical activities. While each of these techniques have provided some limited relief, Aston-Patterning has had the most profound change both in my posture and movement. Aston-Patterning’s use of momentum in action, along with hands-on bodywork, make it truly unique and effective. I have found Amanda to be very knowledgeable about anatomy and movement, as well as how different kinds of musicians make use of their bodies during practice and performance. I highly recommend Aston-Patterning for any practicing musician and singer, and Amanda Farasat as an especially skillful practitioner, with personal knowledge and experience working with musicians and singers.
   -Alison Carlson, Falls Church, VA

This approach to playing has given me new insight and great new direction to resonance.
  -Gail Williams, Professor of Horn, Northwestern University