Research Catalogue

an international database for artistic research

• 3. Internal publication Research published in this issue are only for internal circulation within the Royal Conservatoire, The Hague.
• 2. Royal Conservatoire Investigations Royal Conservatoire Investigations
• 1. Master Research Projects All research in KC

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  The Warm-Up Menu for Musicians: Strategies and a toolbox for achieving a healthy body-mind state for practicing and performing. (2025) author(s): Cristina Quesada Henares published in: KC Research Portal
  Warm-up routines are essential for preventing injuries and enhancing performance, not only for athletes but also for musicians. While technical exercises like scales are common, physical and mental preparation is often overlooked. Research shows that musicians experience a high incidence of injuries, yet many neglect a comprehensive warm-up that includes both physical and mental aspects. This study explores the importance of incorporating a warm-up routine that goes beyond the instrument itself. It introduces a "warm-up menu" that allows musicians to select exercises based on available time, integrating disciplines and techniques such as Yoga, Body Mapping, Flow, and Imagery, while also highlighting the significance of Core engagement for musicians. These practices enhance body awareness, reduce tension, and promote overall well-being, ultimately helping to prevent injuries. The research combines a literature review, expert interviews, and a case study in which three musicians experimented with different warm-up routines over a week, reflecting on their experiences and the impact on their performance and physical condition. Findings suggest that incorporating non-instrumental warm-ups, especially those influenced by Yoga, can reduce tension, improve posture, and enhance performance while lowering injury risks. Experts, including musicians, psychologists, and physiotherapists, confirmed these benefits but emphasized that warm-ups should be part of a broader injury prevention approach. This study provides initial insights into the benefits of holistic warm-ups and encourages further research. By understanding and implementing better warm-up strategies, musicians can cultivate a more sustainable and healthy career.
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  Op de Haubois of Basson meesterlyk spelen: Contextualising The Roles and Repertoire of Double-Reed Instruments in the Republiek der Zeven Verenigde Nederlanden, 1677–1725 (2025) author(s): Luis Tasso Athayde Santos published in: KC Research Portal
  This study seeks to illuminate a body of forgotten repertoire, documented in the Dutch Republic's courts, theatres, military, amateur circles, and churches. Comprising of a dissertation and two appendices, this study explores how double-reed instruments were used in the Dutch Republic in the years 1677–1725, focusing on seven types and sizes of instruments made by Richard Haka (<1646–1705). This critical period in double-reed history marks Europe's transition from the direct descendants of Renaissance-type instruments to the French-style instruments of the high Baroque period. The Dutch Republic, being the origin of one quarter of all pre-Classical oboes and the earliest-surviving datable bassoon, was one of the first places to adopt these French instruments outside of France — though the older forms of double-reed instruments continued to be used throughout the period of study. One could question the need for having so many of these instruments in a region which is largely unexplored in terms of historical performance practice and repertoire. Double-reed players of the Republic served in a variety of capacities and could be found playing several genres of music, but due to the historically-inconsistent use of terminology, determining the exact introduction and extinction of these instruments is nearly impossible; however, by contextualising an array of seemingly-unconnected primary sources and analysing details in the iconography of the period, a more-informed perspective on the matter can be gained.
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  Accordons-nous ! Let's tune in! (2025) author(s): Blanche Proust de La Gironiere Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  Let's Tune in ! - Accordons-Nous ! This research explores the development of a holistic and personalized warm-up routine designed to help musicians reach an optimal state for efficient practice and performance. By integrating the body, mind, and emotions, the aim of a good warmup is to improve musical engagement and connection, while reducing the risk of injury and burnout. To create these tailored warm-up routines, interviews were conducted with health and well-being experts specializing in both physical and mental health. Additionally, a two-round warm-up trial was carried out with seven volunteer students. The results indicate that dedicating daily time to connect with one’s body, mind, and emotions significantly enhances practice quality, musical connection, and self-awareness. Moreover, it contributes to injury prevention and empowers students to develop a deeper understanding and awareness of their physical, emotional and mental state. Given the high incidence of injuries and burnout among young professional musicians, it is crucial to develop and share practical solutions that promote long-term well-being. By introducing these habits from an early stage in music education, we could create a foundation for healthier, more effective, and more fulfilling musical growth.
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• The art of attention (2025) author(s): Oihane Angulo Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  As a passionate group educator, I encountered some challenges in maintaining a high attention span during my group cello lessons in the past. This research delves into specific musical didactics that improved the sustained attention during my group cello lessons for children aged from 8 to 11. This paper is divided into four phases. The first phase involves gathering all the necessary data regarding attention in group lessons. The second one consists in collecting different effective strategies inspired by observing various group teachers and interviewing them. The third phase focuses on developing and testing my own strategies in my cello group lessons. Finally, a comprehensive reflection of both the observations and my interventions is presented in this work. This research contains a collection of different and detailed musical didactics that fostered a more focused, fun and productive learning environment in group instrumental lessons.
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• Improvisation as an Approach to Musical and Technical Improvements (2025) author(s): Celia Garcia Bercebal Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  Violin improvisation has traditionally been associated with creativity and artistic expression. However, its application as a pedagogical strategy for addressing specific technical difficulties remains an underexplored area. This study aims to design and evaluate a series of improvisation exercises created by the author to assist two violin students in overcoming technical challenges. Through a practical and experimental approach, customized exercises have been developed to target individual needs, focusing on aspects such as hand coordination, intonation accuracy, and bowing fluidity. The study examines the impact of structured improvisation on the consolidation of technical skills, the reduction of physical tension, and the development of greater confidence in performance. Preliminary findings suggest that guided improvisation facilitates the resolution of technical obstacles and fosters a more natural and intuitive relationship with the instrument. This research contributes to violin pedagogy by proposing an innovative approach integrating technical development with musical spontaneity, offering new perspectives for instrumental teaching.
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• Motivation and involvement in instrumental group lessons (2025) author(s): Maria Selvas Bou Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  This paper is focusing on the impact that certain didactical elements can have on the motivation and involvement, and how these can impact the dynamic of a group of instrumental students. The purpose of this research is to provide tested elements that can help teachers to create an optimal learning environment in a group setting, and which helps to create a feeling of community. From my experience as an educator I felt the need to identify, collect and test the components that helped me create an ideal atmosphere within a group of instrumental students. To achieve this I gather data from instructors who teach in groups, by observing and interviewing. I identify the didactical methods that they use, distinguish the impact that it has on students, and test them myself to test the effectiveness of those. The end result of this research is a guideline of elements that are important for supporting the motivation of the students when teaching instrumental groups. The findings of this investigation have been tested by various pedagogues and bring up the importance of group education and the relevance of group behavior for the learning development of pupils.
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