What is a Warm-Up for Musicians?
A common misconception about the process of warming up is the belief that it encompasses stretching exercises. However, recent studies have demonstrated that stretching a cold muscle or extending a cold joint can increase the risk of injury (MacAuley and Best 2002, cited in J. Williams 2012).
A warm-up is defined as the process of preparing both the body and mind prior to playing an instrument. For wind players, such as clarinetists, this preparation may include breathing exercises to prepare the respiratory system and reduce tension in the diaphragm and chest muscles (J. Williams, 2012). As Dr. Jenevora Williams (2012) explains, "The warm-up is purely the preparation undertaken before the musician begins technical or repertoire practice. It is the process by which the individual prepares their body for the demands of a practice session, rehearsal, or performance".Warm-ups are not solely physical in nature; they also provide an opportunity to mentally focus on forthcoming tasks, requiring musicians to leave distractions behind and enter a state of concentration
Susan Williams (2024) further posits that a warm-up can also function as a process of self-assessment, in addition to its role as a preparatory phase, wherein one invites oneself to be present.
Annelien van Wauwe (2024) believes physical and mental preparation are interconnected. She likens musical warm-ups to athletic preparation—no athlete would start intense activity without warming up.
Why is it Important?
“Musicians should still be concerned because an injury can alter the path of their careers or even terminate it prematurely. Though injuries are a real threat to musicians, studies show they ignore the issue and symptoms, not allowing a proper recovery.”
Bosi (2017)
A well-structured warm-up helps musicians transition into playing by preparing their body and mind. It enhances performance by increasing blood flow, ensuring that muscles receive adequate oxygen and nutrients, and facilitating efficient movement. Additionally, warm-ups help prevent fatigue, allowing musicians to maintain endurance and concentration during extended practice or performance sessions (McCrary et al., 2015).
Gentle aerobic exercises have been shown to reduce the accumulation of lactic acid in muscles, which otherwise could result in discomfort (J. Williams, 2012). A study conducted on violinists revealed that even brief warm-ups led to a decrease in perceived exertion, underscoring their significance in both preparation and comfort (McCrary et al., 2015).
Physiotherapists Mara Tar and Ana Belén Árbol (2024), both specialists in musicians’ health, highlight the importance of warm-ups for preventing muscle strain and improving body awareness.
Clarinetists Luis Cámara and Annelien van Wauwe posit that it is important to adjust the time allocated for a warm-up, but that it should always be done. They further posit that everyone has 15 minutes a day for this purpose (van Wauwe, 2024). They add that even a short warm-up can be helpful.
The Body as a Whole
“You are the instrument! It is important to look after the instrument – you. Without physical, mental and psychological strength, learning and performance is difficult.”
Susan Williams
As Irma Kort (2024) suggests, 'Practicing is not just playing your instrument.' Playing an instrument requires the use of the entire body, not just the fingers or mouth. A good warm-up should focus on every part of the body involved in playing an instrument, including breathing and the mind.
Focusing on the body as a whole can assist the performer in minimizing overall muscular effort. When forces are kept to a minimum, technical control reaches its optimal level (Watson 2009, cited in J. Williams 2012). Achieving a balanced posture with reduced effort may involve techniques such as Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique, Tai Chi, or yoga. This approach to postural alignment and proprioceptive awareness involves working away from the instrument.
Elements of a Good Warm-Up
According to Dr. Jenevora Williams (2012), warm-up exercises should be directly related to the specific demands of the instrument or voice, rather than
being done “just for fun”. If the purpose of an exercise is unclear, it is important to either understand its benefits or leave it out. An effective warm-up ideally follows a series of stages, all of which should be included, although the time spent on each can vary. Establishing a consistent routine not only fosters mindfulness in the process but also helps develop healthy and efficient habits.
Dr. Jenevora Williams' recommended sequence for a warm-up routine commences with the mental preparation stage, where clear objectives for the practice are established. This is followed by the physical aspect, which involves warming up the body through movement. This may include stretching different limbs, running in place, or going up and down stairs, with the energy levels and body temperature of the individual being considered (lower in the morning). The next stage involves aligning the body through balance exercises, followed by specific flexibility exercises tailored to the instrument to be played. This stage often involves breath control or finger movement, depending on the instrument. Finally, the instrument is picked up for what Dr. Williams calls 'small and gentle movements leading on to extended movements,' meaning we gradually start playing, beginning with scales and long notes, incorporating mindful exercises such as contrasting dynamics, and progressively working towards higher registers and articulation.
Following a review of the available literature and consultation with a range of experts in the field, it is clear that there is no single, universally applicable warm-up routine. However, there is a consensus that an effective warm-up should incorporate three main principles: mental preparation, physical preparation, and preparation specific to the instrument being used.
