Eve Newsome's Flow Music Method
The Flow Music Method has been developed and taught by Eve Newsome since 2002 in private music studio teaching, lectures and various institutional contexts. It has included lectures and lessons for professional musicians, teachers and students at the University of Melbourne, Monash University, Victorian College of the Arts, Canberra School of Music, ANU, Australian Youth Orchestra programs, Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, Sibelius Academy, Finland, Royal Conservatoire, Den Haag, International Double Reed Society, Australasian Double Reed Society, New Zealand Double Reed Society. Anecdotal feedback from teaching has been very positive, particularly in the areas of physical relaxation, expressive performance quality and the reduction of anxiety. Professional musicians and music students have reported that the Flow Music Method has enabled them to express themselves with ease and to remain more relaxed and refreshed than usual.
Eve Newsome’s unique Flow Music Method shows how every musician can learn to intentionally and consciously set up the circumstances to promote flow feelings. It provides practical information based around kinaesthetic, sensory and exploratory goal-setting. There are 14 FLOW TIPS that show musicians how to preserve the balance of challenge and skills by setting realistic, task-focussed goals that stretch their skills just a little. Specific flow techniques are provided to provide a positive and motivating focus for warm-ups, practising repertoire, pre-performance and performance contexts. All techniques can be individualised to suit the circumstances of each individual musician.
Flow warm-up
The Flow warm-up Tips enable an easy immersion into playing through a focus on relaxing whole body movement followed by the playing of easy tunes whilst concentrating on the sensation of touch, the feeling of relaxation and the quality of sound. Musicians are encouraged to ask themselves questions whilst playing, such as, ‘What can I feel?’ so that their attention is drawn immediately to their sensory world and external distractions are minimised.
Flow practice with Repertoire
The Flow Tips for repertoire enable a range of sensory and explorative focus points to be applied to the practice of repertoire in order to enhance engagement, enjoyment and personalised expression. Musicians are encouraged to ask themselves questions about the music to maintain enjoyment and encourage immersion on a deep level, such as, ‘What does this music mean to me?’ and ‘What can I do differently to enjoy myself more?’
Flow in Pre-performance and Performance
The application of Flow Tips in pre-performance and performance contexts decreases anxiety and negative feelings whilst promoting expressive and immersive experiences. Musicians are encouraged to take control of their experience through a focus on organisation, positive thinking and musical expression.