« I’ve been thinking about you a lot these days because I’m working on my audition, and truly, the first class you gave me at BelleFontaine, when I was so stressed, has made a huge difference. We worked on the STOPS, specifically during the playing, between musical phrases, and even between bits of phrases, as well as in moments where the phrase continues. It has really changed my life.

Every day, I’m astonished by how much easier it is to play and how everything flows better, especially how everything breathes more freely. It’s also much, much sturdier.

I always felt like I was walking a tightrope when I played, but now, I feel like I’m on solid ground with no possibility or reason to fall. In the past, especially when tackling difficult pieces, I always had that tightrope walker feeling, worried about tripping if I didn’t place my foot exactly right. I wanted to share how transformative your presence at the Festival has been for me, especially this particular class and this concept.

Another thing that’s happening, which is really great, is that for the first time, I no longer have to think about breathing. The breathing just happens during the STOPS. I’m realizing how I used to breathe in a choppy, forced, and deliberate way.

Now, the inhalations are just natural (sudden upward intake of breath), happening between moments of tension, rather than trying to force it, simply letting the body breathe by making a STOP. »

Arthur Bedouelle