Semester
Summer
Date of Graduation
2020
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Type
DMA
College
College of Creative Arts
Department
School of Music
Committee Chair
Peter Amstutz
Committee Member
Matthew Heap
Committee Member
James Miltenberger
Committee Member
Sandra Schwartz
Committee Member
Bernie Schultz
Abstract
Among musicians who seek medical help for their injuries each year, half are pianists. Improper playing technique is a factor influencing the development of injury. This research project focuses on the types and causes of physiological injury in the process of piano playing and includes methods of avoiding such injuries.
The types of piano-related physiological injury and associated conditions that are discussed include tenosynovitis, focal dystonia, and muscle pain. Relevant literature and investigative data—and some legends—are compared and sorted. Chinese pedagogical views concerning piano technique are discussed, along with ongoing debates concerning injury prevention and the appropriate use of exercises in practice. Causes of injuries appear in five general categories: overuse, misuse, emotional stress, anatomical differences, and individual sensitivity.
This project combines the rational selection and scientific application of playing and practicing methods, based on personal physiological conditions in the actual piano-playing process.
Recommended Citation
Niu, Ruixi, "Types and Causes of Physiological Injury in Piano Playing, with Emphasis on Piano Pedagogy in China" (2020). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 7693.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/7693