Liisa Tamminen

 

A native Finn, I currently live in Switzerland, working both in Finland and Switzerland. I learned some yoga already as a child from my mother but started practising it seriously in the Netherlands while studying to become a professional violist. I soon realised the great benefits which yoga brought to both my well-being and viola playing. 

 

While working as an orchestral musician, I started my professional yoga studies to become an hatha and vinyasa yoga teacher. I participated in workshops and lessons in different yoga styles all over the world, coming to the conclusion that Iyengar Yoga is the style which served me the best. For many years to come, I studied with Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher Glenn Ceresoli in Australia and India, as well as participating in many courses around Europe. In total, I have completed over 1000 hours of professional yoga studies, hold an Yoga Alliance's certificate, certificates from the level 1 and 2 Iyengar Yoga teacher trainings as well as certificates from many Iyengar Yoga Advanced Teacher Training. I also have Yoga for Children -teacher certificate (Yoga Beez).

 

While teaching, I have noticed how a bit softer and simpler approach of yoga is sometimes needed and welcome. This is why I developed my own style of teaching, which could be described as hatha yoga with Iyengar Yoga principles considering the alignment and anatomy.

 

Since 2005 I have happily divided my time between professional yoga teaching and viola playing. I developed a special "Yoga for Musicians" to serve my colleagues with the unique knowledge I have acquired from both profession. 

 

I currently teach at the Art Universities of Zürich and Helsinki. Hundreds of musicians around Europe have participated in my lessons and workshops during the years. I also teach live streaming lessons, organise workshops and courses, and give group and one-to-one lessons.

 

As a violist, playing both the modern viola and baroque violas, I work internationally as a freelancer in the orchestras, chamber music and early music ensembles.