Timani
move better to play better
Timani, a recently established somatic method for musicians, is based on a deep understanding of playing-related anatomy and movement, as well as the needs and motivations of musicians. Created by Tina Margareta Nilssen, Timani aims to improve performance and performance-related body mechanics. It provides an analytical tool to identify playing-related, compensatory movement patterns, and uses targeted, practical exercises to change any less effective habits into more functional and sustainable ones, directly integrating the newly learnt coordination into instrumental playing. The over 100 Timani exercises, along with an explanation of the relevant anatomy, are designed to help understand and overcome any challenges related to discomfort, pain, and injury, as well as to sound production and technical issues, ultimately enhancing musical performance. Timani is developed specifically for and taught by musicians, bridging the gap between performer and health professional.
“Timani provides a whole new awareness when it comes to exactly what we need with regard to the requirements of musicians. I am happy that I found something as specialized as this.”
Leif Ove Andsnes - pianist
Ⓒ Oda Hveem
Timani session - what to expect
A typical Timani session starts with a conversation in which the student answers questions related to their experience, wishes or potential issues around physical comfort, playing technique, or musical performance. Afterwards, the student will play and receive:
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a short anatomical analysis of their current movement patterns and related musical outcome,
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targeted, practical movement exercises (usually one to three per session) for re-training muscular coordination and enhancing movement control and proprioception, with the aim of getting closer to the desired musical and physical result presented in the initial conversation, and
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direct implementation of the new activation into their playing, with awareness of both musical performance and physical sensation.
The exercises do not require any particular equipment or physical contact with the student. Instead, they are executed with conscious awareness of a muscle, body part, or movement, exploring new potential within the musician’s body that can help support more effortless music making. None of the exercises are meant as medical treatment or replacement thereof.
Ⓒ Anjula Schaub
Book a session/workshop
I'd be happy to work with you! We can meet in person or online.
Book a session or workshop by emailing me:
£35 / €45 per session.
The first session is 90 minutes, after that sessions will be ca 60 minutes long. For group workshops, please be in touch to discuss the details and price.
If you prefer to meet in person: I'm based in Edinburgh but frequently travel - I regularly spend time in London, Berlin and the Netherlands.
Research
A first larger-scale scientific study on Timani found benefits of the method on performance-related body mechanics, playing posture, and instrumental technique, leading to superior performance and a decrease in musculoskeletal discomfort (Détári & Nilssen, 2022).
Building on this work by Détáti & Nilssen, Elvira conducted a study as part of the Master of Science in Performance Science (RCM London). The research found multiple trends, suggesting that Timani exercises might have positive effects on seated playing posture, ease of playing,
physical discomfort, and performance in professional violinists.