Qi Gong for Musicians

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What is Qi Gong?

Besides being a healthy art, Qi Gong is a collective name for specific Chinese forms or exercises.

Qi (or Chi – pronounced “chee”) is the Life energy that flows through all living things.

Gong means work or discipline.

So, Qi Gong is the practice of learning about the flow of that energy throughout the body…

It is Movement and Meditation

The exercises (which can be done in the small space where you are standing) gently stretch the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and massage the internal organs. The forms are elegant and simple and help teach us about inward awareness. Their practice is suitable for any age and almost any physical condition.

Can You Benefit from Qi Gong?

Most musicians experience difficulties in their playing at one time or another. The common problems we face usually fall into these following areas:

Practice issues – Too often, our practice time is not focused or thorough: it can be avoidance, a bad attitude, or just not knowing how to concentrate and use the time well.
Performance anxieties – Many musicians experience the fear of playing poorly, or disappointing oneself and others by not performing up to certain standards.
Physical problems – From repetitive stress syndrome to the random and/or chronic numbness, ache or pain, every musician will eventually encounter these difficulties and need a remedy.
Creative blocks – Being able to bring out what you already know and expressing your own musical history and personality is frustrating at best. Finding your own voice and staying strong in your unique way of playing should be a constant goal.
Inconsistent improvement – Maintaining an enthusiasm for learning as much as possible is the path to improvement.

Sample Video

What to Expect from Qi Gong

The daily practice of Qi Gong offers a way to shift our energy away from agitation, tension, and preoccupation – and towards calmness, relaxation, and focus. Doing this series of exercises before you touch your instrument sets up a new attitude of mind and body:

In your practice time, the distractions of the day fade away and you will find it easier to concentrate and use that time more efficiently.
The anxieties of playing with others will diminish as more thorough practice brings better preparedness. Because you know your instrument and the music better, your nervousness subsides as greater confidence enhances your performance.
There is less likelihood of developing physical problems because the body is carrying less tension: the gentle stretching reduces stress and tightness in the body.
Finding ones creative resources is greatly facilitated because the breathing aspects of Qi Gong quiet the mind. Without that customary mental chatter, new ideas have a chance to emerge as you access your inner musical voice. You discover your Sound as you express what You have to say.
All of this re-invigorates the enjoyment of learning. You will look forward to playing your instrument because you see consistent progress. It will become easier and more fun to play music.

**Buy Qi Gong for Musicians for $19.95**

About Scott Lee

As a college student in Chapel Hill, N.C., Scott Lee switched from a tennis career to a commitment to jazz. Upon finishing college, he dove into music by studying from books, band stand training, and taking lessons from the likes of Charlie Banacas, Dave Holland and Homer Mensch.

Arriving in New York in the late 70’s, one of Lee’s first gigs was touring and recording with Chet Baker. He went on to work with Lee Konitz, Zoot Simms, Al Cohn, Red Rodney, Freddie Hubbard, Kenny Werner, and Joe Lovano. Also, he accompanied many singers such as Nancy Wilson, Chris Conner, Morgana King, Betty Buckley, Helen Merrill, Susannah McCorkle, and Anita O’Day.

In the orchestral world, Scott has shown his versatility by being part of the Metropolitan Opera Guild’s performance of Puchini’s “Gianni Schicci”, to the World Premiere of Charles Ives’ “Universe Symphony”. He has also toured and recorded with the Andy Statman Quartet playing the music of the Jewish Mystics.

Recently, he has been leading his own group featured on his CD “With Ease” recording and playing with the Loren Stillman Quartet, and staying active in New Music Ensembles in the New York area. Currently he can be heard on Joe Lovano’s Blue Note release “Viva Caruso” and just completed another European tour with Joe.

Scott has finished his first book, Playing the Body Playing the Bass, practices Qi Gong daily and is a Reiki Master.

He lives with his wife Sue Anne and daughter Aria in Manhattan and Bucks County, PA., where he is a faculty member in the Music Dept. at Kutztown University.