Aging Backwards with Jim Litzelman
Show Notes and Links
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James Litzelman, NCTM, teaches piano and piano pedagogy at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C and is a frequent lecturer on wellness-related issues state and national conferences. His particular area of interest is focal dystonia, a condition with which Jim has lived for almost 30 years but has mostly overcome. He is an independent piano teacher in Arlington, Virginia, and currently chairs the editorial committee for the American Music Teacher magazine.
In 2020, I was privileged to meet and get to know Jim Litzelman when I began serving as a member of the AMT or American Music Magazine editorial committee.
If you are a member of the Music Teachers National Association, then you receive the AMT and perhaps you’ve read Jim’s article published in the October/November 2021 issue?
The article is called “My Personal Journey to Aging Backwards.”
It immediately caught my attention because of the title and the topic.
In the article, Jim shares his experience with focal dystonia first diagnosed over 30 years ago when he was a doctoral student.
In addition, Jim reveals the discovery he made that improved this neurological condition.
Grab your earbuds and sneakers and listen in as you hear how Jim’s expected career path was derailed and what he’s learned about the importance of technique. His valuable insight and approach can be easily implemented in your next lesson with students of all levels.
A few Jim’s Tips
Law of Three Rs of Mucular Tension
Right Amount: based on the sound we want to produce
Right Place: always in the finger tips
Right Time: when the finger plays
If it doesn’t feel good, you aren’t doing it right.
The human body can take an enormous amount of use and misuse before it says “mm-mm!” If you do this again, you’re going to feel pain.
We need to educate the teacher of the beginner pianists.
Practice Asymmetrical Inversion
Essentrics by Miranda Esmonde-White
Hey, I appreciate you!
I’m honored that you’ve given me your time and your ears. :-)
