Somatic Self-Care for Music Educators

Abstract

Abstract This chapter posits that the soma––the body perceived from within––is an important component of self-care for music educators and their students. Somaesthetics, a pragmatic philosophical discipline, lays the foundation for understanding bodily consciousness and the inclusion of somatic practice as a means to improve self-function. The Feldenkrais Method of somatic education offers a pedagogical framework for learning to observe oneself in action, while developing sensory acuity in order to clarify and improve function and performance. Participation in the Feldenkrais Method as somatic self-care can help educators and their students embody the six characteristics of compassionate music teaching. Recommendations and applications to teaching and learning are provided.