Secrets Of Organ Playing Podcast

Let’s start episode 317 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Barbara, and she writes: My challenge continues to be aware of posture + unrelaxed hands, arms, and shoulders to prevent numbness in my hands (especially my right hand). This came to a crisis 2.5 yrs ago. I've been to doctors, occupational therapist, and Alexander Technique teacher and am determined to control it without surgery. Mild arthritis is also an issue (age 67). I hold chords too tightly, press the keys harder than I need to, and frequently find my shoulders hunched. Releasing all of this helps. I'm thinking of focusing on 17th-18th c. French organ music this fall (interesting, need to learn ornaments + performance practice better, and not so many chords). Will give my feet exercises and tricky Bach pedal passages (and learn the hands later).