Research Seminar - Sally Walker

Multi-fingering systems: the neurological and physiological implications in shifting between musical instruments

With the advent of Historically Informed Performance Practice, intensive debate occurred between both passionate advocates and critics. This “divide” has now become smaller and the two previously separate worlds have shifted closer together. In addition to purely historical ensembles, “hybrid” ensembles involving both modern and historical instruments are increasing in number, as are players who are performing professionally on both systems, which has inherent physiological and neurological complexities. Twenty prominent international performers were interviewed and asked what led them to re-train in historical instruments, how they learned, which difficulties they have had and preparation methods.

Biography:

A graduate of the University of Sydney, the University of Music, Drama and Media, Hanover (Germany), the Munich University of Music and the Arts (Germany) and currently a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Sydney Early Music Unit, Flautist Sally Walker has forged a career as an international performer and music educator. Currently she is Lecturer in Classical Performance (Woodwind) at the Australian National University, following twelve years as Lecturer in Flute at the University of Newcastle and Flautist with the Omega Ensemble.

Limited number of seats available in this Research Seminar, for the public (seats will be automatically reserved for School of Music students who attend research seminars for coursework). Public RSVP via EventBrite listing.