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Institutional Workshops & Presentations
Check out my current offerings for Franklin Method workshops, pedagogy presentations, and masterclasses below.
Franklin Method Workshops
Every Franklin Method workshop includes a mix of anatomical instruction, embodiment practice, and somatic (mind-body) tools and gentle exercises that release tension or improve posture and movement.
Workshops are available online through Zoom and in-person in the greater Seattle area or by request (additional travel fees may apply).
Erika can provide Franklin Method balls and bands for use during in-person 2 hour workshops or offer suggestions for alternative props during online workshops. (Some organizations may wish to purchase their own sets of Franklin Method balls or include a set in a participant enrollment package. Contact Erika for more information if you are interested in purchasing Franklin Method equipment.)
Workshops can be reserved independently or bundled as part of a single or multiple-day event.
Photo by Junshi Yang
Franklin Method Tools for Healthy Practice & Performance
This workshop is a wonderful introduction to the Franklin Method for pre-college**, collegiate, and professional musicians. Participants will learn Franklin Method exercises for warming up and cooling down and introductory imagery exercises to improve movement and playing. The workshop also includes an introduction to anatomical embodiment (choose either a miniature healthy sitting class or a tour of the shoulder girdle).
**This workshop is recommended for students ages 11 & up but can be adapted for younger students. (Discounts are available for public K-12 school programs.)
Length: 60 min
The Liberated Spine: Healthy Movement & Posture for Musicians
Experience a new sense of balanced and aligned posture from the inside out! In this workshop, participants will experience the anatomy, design, and functions of their spine using fun props, imagery, and gentle exercises. We explore the fundamental movements of the spine and head alignment and learn Franklin Method ball and band exercises for spinal warmups and myofascial release.
No prior experience with the Franklin Method is required for this workshop, but it can be paired with Franklin Method Tools for Healthy Practice & Performance for single or multiple-day events if you desire a more formal introduction to the Franklin Method.
Length: 120 min
Pelvic Power: Dynamic Core Support & Healthy Sitting for Musicians
Get to know your pelvis and the integral role it plays in supporting healthy music-making. This workshop introduces the anatomy, design, and function of the pelvic bones. Participants will learn to embody the sitz bones, hip joint, and sacrum in order to experience healthy alignment and support while sitting and standing. You’ll also learn Franklin Method ball exercises for myofascial release and healthy movement patterns.
No prior experience with the Franklin Method is required for this workshop, but it can be paired with Franklin Method Tools for Healthy Practice & Performance for single or multiple-day events if you desire a more formal introduction to the Franklin Method.
Length: 120 min
Relaxed & Healthy Shoulders for Musicians
This workshop is a game-changer for musicians struggling with shoulder and neck pain! In the Franklin Method, we address tension and pain at the source by learning to embody healthy shoulder function. Participants will learn myofascial release techniques for the shoulder and neck; become familiar with the anatomy, design, and function of the shoulder girdle; and experience how the collarbone, shoulder blade, and arm work together to facilitate easy and efficient movement.
No prior experience with the Franklin Method is required for this workshop, but it can be paired with Franklin Method Tools for Healthy Practice & Performance for single or multiple-day events if you desire a more formal introduction to the Franklin Method.
Length: 120 min
additional offerings
Pedagogy Presentations and Masterclasses
The following pedagogy presentations and masterclasses are offered individually and also make a great add-on to a single-day or multiple-day event.
Pedagogy workshops/presentations are available online through Zoom and in-person in the greater Seattle area or by request (additional travel fees may apply).
The Athletic Music Teacher: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Holistic Violin Pedagogy
How can we better prepare violin teachers to address the musculoskeletal challenges of playing the violin? A holistic approach to violin teaching not only provides students with biomechanically sound technical foundations but also prioritizes retraining movement patterns and motor skills to fix longstanding problems with playing.
These presentations are based on Erika’s doctoral research into kinesiological approaches to teaching and evaluating movement-based performance. Choose from multiple presentation topics covering different aspects of violin pedagogy through a multidisciplinary lens. Each presentation offers scientific research and suggestions for integration into the private violin studio.
While these presentations are geared toward violin teachers, the research is applicable to most applied instrumental music teachers. Presentations can be adapted for different audiences by request.
Sample Presentation Topics
+ Strategies for evaluating technique from the world of sports
+ pedagogical and Imagery-based cueing
+ Choosing the right tool: pedogogical interventions in the music studio
+ qualitative movement diagnosis: reframing violin pedagogy curriculums through a kinesiological lens
Length: 60+ min
Violin Masterclasses
Virtual and in-person masterclasses for collegiate programs and private violin studios. Topics covered in masterclasses may include technical efficiency and ease, developing musical interpretations, experimenting with tone colors and characters, historically informed performance, practice strategies, and anatomy/biomechanics through the lens of the Franklin Method.
Masterclasses can be combined with additional Franklin Method workshops and pedagogy presentations by request.
Length: 90+ min
Crafting Your Teaching Philosophy
This workshop is perfect for collegiate music students developing their first teaching philosophies or current private teachers wanting to refresh their teaching philosophy or marketing materials. Inspired by creative entrepreneurs, Erika frames her teaching philosophy through the lens of her core teaching values. Participants will explore their own core teaching values through group discussion and guided exercises. Core values can be used to generate a new teaching philosophy or integrated into an existing teaching statement.
Length: 60 min
Booking Information
Bring a Workshop to Your Institution
Workshops/presentations can be booked individually or bundled together if you would like to organize a full-day or multiple-day event.
Contact Erika below for all workshop and presentation inquiries including scheduling and pricing.
Getting nerdy about all things musicians’ wellness, violin pedagogy, and Franklin Method!