The life of a conductor can impact the physical health of an individual, from standing for long periods of times to shoulder and arm intensity from conducting. This presentation, given by a musician, educator, and certified yoga instructor will discuss common physical issues experienced by educators and conductors, as well as poses and stretches to address these areas of sensitivity. We will work through ideas for wrist problems, hunched shoulders and chest, and lower back pain.
Karen Koner
- Biographical Information
Dr. Karen Koner serves as associate professor and coordinator of music education at San Diego State University. As a specialist in instrumental music education, she teaches undergraduate courses focusing on K-12 teaching strategies, rehearsal techniques, lesson planning, and curriculum. Dr. Koner holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction in Music Education from the University of Maryland, as well as additional degree from the University of Arizona.
Dr. Koner’s research interests encompass topics related to music teacher education with a specific lens of examining current needs of pre-service music educators in her home state of California, as well as mental health, stress management, and mindfulness techniques of music educators and students. She has presented her research and work internationally and nationally through music education professional conferences in Glasgow, Scotland, Tel Aviv, and throughout the United States. Dr. Koner’s research can be found in journals such as the Update: Applications of Research in Music Education and International Journal of Music Education.
Additionally, Dr. Koner can be found in her spare time instructing yoga, with a specialty in Restorative, Yin, & Chair Yoga practices. She enjoys combining her love of yoga and music teacher training by working with musicians and educators on techniques to increase health awareness in the music classroom.