Jennifer Johnson: How Body Mapping Transforms the Way We Play and Live

From Conversations with Musicians, with Leah Roseman Leah Roseman

This week’s episode is a personal one for me, since Jennifer Johnson has been helping me gain more ease and comfort in violin playing and living in general. An understanding of Body Mapping will help you whether you play an instrument, sing, or simply go about your daily life. Jennifer Johnson is a violinist, film maker, and the author of several books including “What Every Violnist Needs to Know About the Body”. She’s an internationally sought-after Master Teacher and Teacher Trainer in Body Mapping and is renowned for her expertise in helping musicians to move according to the design of their bodies to prevent playing injuries and promote ease.

I also wanted to shine a light on Jennifer’s film Music, Movement & Transformation: The Body Mapping Story, which is partly a beautiful tribute to her inspiring mentor Barbara Conable.

I’m sure you’ll find this conversation with Jennifer is full of actionable tips and insights to help you, including some of the best advice about dealing with stage fright that I’ve ever heard.

Complete show notes: including links for Jennifer's film, her website, my newsletter, podcast merch and linked episodes with transcript and video.

(00:00) Intro

(01:59) string quartet career, injury, Alexander Technique, meeting Barbara Conable, Body Mapping

(11:05) Body Mapping, common mismappings

(17:29) transformations, stories of Body Mapping success

(25:50) film "Music, Movement & Transformation: The Body Mapping Story”, Duane Andrews, Murat Eyuboglu

(36:51) other linked episodes, ways to help this series

(37:36) worldwide community of Body Mapping educators

(41:23) Jennifer’s books, backwards walking, 6 places of balance

(53:04) humero-scapular rhythm

(58:39) film, Barbara Conable quotes, instrument-specific books

(01:04:16) stage fright advice

(01:10:44) how to teach Body Mapping to children