Kathleen Riley, Ph.D.

WCSU 2008
Essential Elements of
Piano Technique
Technique is the knowledge of the most
economical way to produce adequately
what the mind conceives artistically.
E. Robert Schmitz, The Capture of Inspiration
Analysis
Placing basic principles of movement at the keyboard
under the microscope
Real time video capture of hand position and body
alignment with surface electromyographic
monitoring of muscle tension
Immediate feedback on body alignment, technique
and tension levels in the arms, hands and fingers
Clear and concise understanding of what is optimal
Understanding SEMG
SEMG stands for Surface Electromyography. It is a device
that measures the amount of electrical activity your muscles
release when they are contracting, more commonly known as
muscle tension.
It is similar in function to an EKG which measures heart
muscle activity.
By monitoring the extensor muscles separately, sEMG activity
can be observed through a full range of motion of technique.
By monitoring the trapezius muscles, neck and shoulder
tension can be observed. These muscles often tighten while
playing.
Why is muscle activity important?
Muscles have a tendency to brace in response to certain
movements and misperceptions of movements. While our
muscles do have to tense to perform, they also need to release
the excess tension when the movement is finished.
A good illustration of this is the follow-through of the arm in tennis
after the ball is struck. The follow-through allows the muscles to
relax in order to quickly move and prepare to return the next ball.
Imagine trying to prepare a backhand shot if your arm is still
braced in the forehand position!
SEMG Graph Showing Periods
of Playing and Resting
Before feedback wrist position too high,
therefore, tension too high in extensors
After feedback, wrist position improved
and tension level improved
How does this relate to piano playing?
Many pianists are unaware of their hand and finger
position.
Even those with a good technique often play with high
levels of tension that they are unaware of and
therefore do not always release properly.
In piano playing the large muscles of our arms assist
the fine muscles in our hands and fingers. Using only
tiny finger muscles can cause unnecessary strain that
can result in tendonitis and other problems.
Common complaints among pianists are pain or
discomfort and excess tension in the neck and
shoulders, back, elbow, forearm, wrist or hand, and
tiredness.
Part II: A Simple Anatomy Lesson
Back, Shoulders, Neck
Illustration from Grays Anatomy
Shoulder and Arm Muscles
Understanding the Muscles of the Hand
The extrinsic muscles exterior to the hand, start at
the elbow or forearm. They run down the forearm
and cross the wrist and hand.
The smallest muscles that originate in the wrist and
hand are called the intrinsic muscles. The intrinsic
muscles guide the fine motions of the fingers by
getting the fingers positioned and holding them
steady during hand activities.
Following Illustrations by William Scavone, MA, CMI
Kestrel Illustration Studio, LLC
http://www.kestrelstudio.com
Extrinsic Muscles
The Flexor Digitorum system, is located in the upper part of the forearm
near the elbow.
Another set of muscles, the Flexor & Extensor Carpi, hold the wrist firm,
counterbalancing the Flexor Digitorum muscles.
The Natural Arch of the Hand
Intrinsic Muscles
The Interossei lie on either side of the hand between the knuckles
(metacarpals). Their primary function is in opening and closing of the
fingers and to contribute to fine motor control.
We rely on the Lumbricals to do most of the knuckle movements
throughout our daily activities, including our finger actions on the
keyboard.
In piano playing we must strengthen the Interossei muscles to flex the
fingers from the knuckle joints. This leaves the wrists relaxed and flexible.
Muscles of the Thumb
Extrinsic
Intrinsic
Muscles of the Fifth Finger
Part III: Bridging Technique to
Performance
The amount of tension in our muscles effects
the sounds produced on the piano.
Teach your students to listen!
Record and playback!
Before and after recording and playback of
playing while working with feedback show
marked differences in tonal quality.
Demonstrations
Posture
Arm and hand alignment
Hand position
The power of the bridge!
Part IV: Putting It into Your Teaching
Give your students a basic anatomy lesson
Help them understand how things work
Biofeedback-assisted teaching helps the
student learn on several simultaneous levels
A picture is worth a thousand words the
screen will validate your concepts!
Demonstrate for your students!
If possible, demonstrate with video or with
both!
Questions?
Thank you for your time today!
For further information I can be reached at:
KathleenRiley@pianoperceptions.com
KRileyPhD@ureach.com
Cell: 201-220-6851
www.pianoperceptions.com