Resources

Here you'll find a selection of books, research articles and interviews on musicians' health and the Timani method.

Books

  • Unleashing the Potential of the Musician's Body

    TINA MARGARETA NILSSEN

    The foundational book on the Timani method, demonstrating how anatomy and movement analysis can be applied directly to music-making. It shows how more efficient movement patterns can reduce unnecessary strain and allow for greater freedom in playing and singing.

  • Anatomy Trains - Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists

    THOMAS W. MYERS

    Explores how different parts of the body work together in movement and how the body functions as an integrated whole rather than a collection of individual muscles. It provides a deeper understanding of posture, movement and how forces are distributed throughout the body.

  • A guide to better movement - The Science and Practice of Moving with more Skill and less Pain

    TODD HARGROVE

    Explores how the brain learns and organises movement, and the importance of movement quality for function and performance. An accessible book on how we can move more efficiently and with less effort.

  • Learn Faster, Perform Better - A musician´s guide to the neuroscience of practising

    MOLLY GEBRIAN

    Connects modern neuroscience with music practice and performance. It offers practical strategies for practising more effectively, learning more quickly and performing with greater confidence.

  • Art Cure - The Science of How the Arts Transform Our Health

    DAISY FANCOURT

    This book is a little different from the others. Rather than focusing on musicians' health, it explores why art and culture are so important to us as human beings. In my view, it is the most important book written so far on how the arts influence our health. Daisy Fancourt, one of the world's leading researchers in the field, brings together the latest research and explains why art and culture are such an important part of a healthy life.

I do not link to specific booksellers, as prices and availability may vary over time. If any of the titles interest you, I encourage you to search for the best current offer—or borrow the book from your local library.

Research Articles

  • Exploring the Impact of the Somatic Method ‘Timani’ on Performance Quality, Performance-Related Pain and Injury, and Self-Efficacy in Music Students in Norway: An Intervention Study

    DÉTÁRI & NILSSEN, 2022

    The first research study to investigate the effects of the Timani method in music students. Among other findings, the study reported improvements in playing technique, reduced playing-related pain, and improved movement control and precision.

    Read

  • Feedforward coactivation of trunk muscles during rapid shoulder movements

    YAMANE et al., 2022

    Demonstrates that the deep trunk muscles are activated automatically before rapid arm movements to provide stability. The study offers valuable insight into why effective trunk coordination is essential for free and precise arm movement in musicians.

    Read

  • Health education for musicians

    MATEI et al., 2018

    A research study demonstrating how health education can improve music students' knowledge of ergonomics, stress, hearing health and injury prevention. The findings highlight the importance of integrating health education into music training to support sustainable music-making.

    Read

  • Musculoskeletal disorders and complaints in professional musicians: a systematic review of prevalence, risk factors, and clinical treatment effects

    ROTTER et al., 2020

    A systematic review of research on playing-related musculoskeletal disorders in professional musicians. The article summarises current evidence on prevalence, risk factors and treatment, while highlighting the need for more high-quality research in this field.

    Read

  • The effect of strategies to prevent and manage musicians' musculoskeletal symptoms: A systematic review

    STANHOPE et al., 2022

    A systematic review examining strategies to prevent and reduce playing-related musculoskeletal disorders in musicians. The review summarises the scientific evidence for different interventions and highlights the need for more high-quality research.

    Read

Leif Ove Andsnes is a Norwegian pianist with a long international career. As a soloist and chamber musician, he has performed with many of the world's leading orchestras and conductors over the past several decades. This is what he says about the Timani method:

Interview about the Timani Method with Pianist Leif Ove Andsnes

“Timani provides a whole new awareness when it comes to exactly what we need with regard to the requirements of musicians. I am happy that I found something as specialized as this.”