Playing with Ease: A Healthy Approach to Guitar Technique

by David Leisner

Overview

Playing with Ease is a book about ergonomic technique for the guitar, as well as other instruments. Renowned classical guitarist David Leisner offers an introduction to the basic anatomy of movement, advice on relieving unnecessary tension, pioneering ideas about engaging large muscles, and tips for practicing and concert preparation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780190693312
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	10/18/2018
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

David Leisner has a multi-faceted career as an electrifying performing artist, a distinguished composer, and a master teacher. "Among the finest guitarists of all time" (American Record Guide), Leisner has recorded for the Azica, Naxos, Telarc and Koch labels, and has a concert DVD published by Mel Bay. David Leisner has premiered works by many important composers and has been a pioneer in the rediscovery of 19th-century guitar composers, Mertz and Matiegka. His own compositions are performed, recorded and published worldwide. He is currently the Chair of the Guitar Department at the Manhattan School of Music. Visit www.davidleisner.com for more information.

Table of Contents

Photo and illustration credits
Acknowledgements
About the Companion Website
Preface

Chapter 1 Your Body and Your Instrument: General Principles
Chapter 2 Your Body and Your Instrument: Specifics
Chapter 3 Basic Right-Hand Mechanics
Chapter 4 Basic Left-hand Mechanics
Chapter 5 How to Play with the Large Muscles
Chapter 6 Suggestions for Relaxed and Effective Practice
Chapter 7 Preparing for a Concert

Index
Photo and Illustration Credits
Photos by Simon Powis - simonpowisphotography.com
Illustrations by Jay Kauffman

Editorial Reviews

"Every guitar student should read this book. Leisner has distilled all his experience and insights into a very readable and practical work." — Eduardo Fernandez

"David Leisner developed body/joint awareness, breathing and meditation exercises, muscle stretching, etc., along with incorporating larger muscle groups into his guitar mechanics and technique, a concept itself antithetical to what was going on in the 1990s when I was in training. But after working with David for one summer, his innovative technique has had a long lasting impact on my playing over the years." — Jason Vieaux, Grammy-winning performer

From the Publisher