Essential Elements of Piano Technique

Kathleen Riley, Ph.D. WPPC 2008

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