Today, let's celebrate Sister Marie-Therese, Catherine Swiezynski! 🎉

Sister Marie-Therese is one of my dedicated students and has been part of our Art of Freedom® Method journey for years. Her experiences beautifully reflect the impact of our work together.

Here's her inspiring testimony (see her picture below):

October 2022: “I just wanted to share that our Saturday Alton Symphony concert went SO much better for me after doing TheCyCle™ and other Primal Alexander™ etudes from Alexander Technique for musicians that I learned in the Jumpstart program with Jennifer Roig-Francolí.

I was able to play all of Beethoven's 5th with much more freedom than I usually have in performance, and I noticed where I was easing during repeated notes and measures. I also played Hedwig's Theme 32nd notes with much more ease. It helped that the maestro conducted the Jurassic Park theme before that in a cowboy-riding-a-dinosaur costume that made us laugh hysterically- a surprise to all of us. Laughter also increases ease!”

December 2022: “Hello! I just wanted to share my joy that Jennifer Roig-Francolí's Jumpstart program really made a difference in my latest piano quartet performance! We did an “Echoes of Eastern Europe” fundraiser concert for someone who was transporting convoys of ambulances to Ukraine.

I was really nervous beforehand because this was the first time I played in a major public venue outside of a school or college in about 30 years! After daily doing the etudes I learned in Jennifer's class, I felt that I was able to play with more freedom and expression than I have before.

In the opening Dvorak E flat Quartet, I realized that I forgot to change to my music bifocals and everything was blurry-but I was able to chuckle at myself instead of panic! (I had most of it memorized anyway and changed glasses before the next piece.) Some specific things from Jennifer's class that helped:

1) being aware of my primary concern- noticing what was happening (for me that had a very spiritual element)

2) doing Jennifer's etudes before going on stage helped

3) remembering Jennifer saying that being prepared for anything was more important than being prepared for something specific.

4) being aware of where I was easing, during rests, and in places where I wrote reminders, like where there was a crescendo to fff in the music.

5) practicing easing during cues beforehand, as I noticed that cues were formerly an occasion of great tension.

We performed this program in a hospital and at the college where I teach before this fundraiser, and every one went better. I felt that I was more than ever, able to let the music flow through me instead of getting in the way. There is still much that can improve in, but I noticed a big difference between this and performances before the program! I am very grateful!”

March 2023: ” Jennifer Roig-Francolí says that we get more of what we focus on. I definitely found that to be true during our February orchestra concert where we ended with Rimsky-Korsakov's “Capriccio Espagnole.”

The first violin part has all kinds of harmonics, ricochet bowings and insanely fast passages. On the last page of the 5th movement, just before the coda and presto, I wrote a note on the music to remind myself to focus on where I was easing a bit. I was able to play that presto with more ease than I have ever played a fortissimo presto before!

I had been doing TheCyCle™ etude which focuses on easing, and it helped. I studied Alexander Technique for musicians when I was younger, but Jennifer teaches one how to “do it yourself” without a hands-on teacher, so that one can apply it more in situations like this. I'm very grateful for learning this simple but incredibly helpful idea from Jennifer!”

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Would you like to learn how YOU can break through obstacles and steadily improve your performance and well-being like Sister Marie-Therese?

Whether you're experiencing physical pain, performance anxiety, or emotional suffering related to your music, I'm a firm believer that there is always hope, and I'd love to bring that hope your way. 🙂

If you're curious about any of my online programs, just send me a private message, or use this quick form to request information:  Click here to apply.

I look forward to connecting with you and exploring together what's possible for your musical future!

Love,
Jennifer 🦋

P.S. I have just a few openings left in my private coaching studio for musicians ready to embark on a beautiful learning adventure beginning this Fall. If you're preparing for an audition or special performance, don't hesitate to reach out – this could make ALL the difference!!

I'm clearing time in my schedule during the last couple weeks of this month to have zoom conversations with anyone seriously interested in working with me to experience positive change. Just let me know if you'd like to schedule a chat – I look forward to it!

Thank you, Sister Marie-Therese, for sharing your experience with us!
You are a heavenly STAR!!!  ❤🙏❤