Why Tai Chi for musicians?
Quite simply, tai chi is one of the most effective ways to address posture, tension, breath, and awareness, which are all crucial for performers.
Benefits include:
Rooting and grounding | Natural breathing
Flow and release | Embodied sound
About us
Dr. Allan Kaplan
Retired Professor, New Mexico State University
Allan Kaplan brings over 50 years of experience as a trombonist, educator, and clinician, including a distinguished tenure as Professor of Trombone at New Mexico State University. A lifelong advocate for body–mind integration in brass playing, he has recently focused on incorporating Tai Chi into brass pedagogy. His Tai Chi Trombonist project helps performers achieve greater ease, awareness, and efficiency in both practice and performance.
He has studied movement and fitness with master trainer Rich Kahle, whose expertise in senior strength training, mobility, and body mechanics has helped shape the physical foundation of the Tai Chi Trombonist approach.
Rich Kahle
Master Trainer, Holistic Health Coach
Coach Rich Kahle is a seasoned master trainer with over 30 years of experience in the fitness and wellness industry. His extensive credentials include certifications in personal training, nutrition coaching, life coaching, yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong—reflecting a truly holistic approach to health. A champion strength athlete for more than 25 years, Coach Kahle combines real-world athletic achievement with deep expertise in functional movement, mindfulness, and total-body wellness.
