An analysis of musculoskeletal disorder risk factors associated with common pedagogical principles of the Lhevinne and Taubman piano schools: A literature review
File version
Version of Record (VoR)
Author(s)
Kenway, L
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
Size
File type(s)
Location
Abstract
Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) are highly prevalent among concert pianists due to the unique sociological and historical predispositions of the instrument. Although current literature explores PRMD risk factors in isolation, few studies have explored the complex interdependencies that exist between the procedural and postural practices of pianists. This study aims to reframe this discussion by holistically exploring how common educational principles in phalangeal curvature, wrist flexion range of motion, and technical exercises interact to precipitate in PRMDs. The practices of the Lhevinne and Taubman schools were comparatively evaluated through kinematic studies to discern potential biomechanical stresses, and the findings were compared with current empirical evidence to ascertain links to PRMDs. The findings from this review indicate pedagogical susceptibility patterns may be more nuanced than the claims of stakeholders. However, studies suggest that practitioners of the Lhevinne school should incorporate phalangeal postures with active flexion to reduce susceptibility to tendinitis, osteoarthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Practitioners of the Taubman school should further apply low-intensity technical exercises for warm-ups to increase muscle flexibility and facilitate temperature-related benefits to performance. However, high-intensity exercises at the Lhevinne school such as consecutive intervals and flexibility studies are contrary to current biomechanical observations.
Journal Title
Research Studies in Music Education
Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume
Issue
Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
© The Author(s) 2023. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits non-commercial use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access pages (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage).
Item Access Status
Note
This publication has been entered in Griffith Research Online as an advanced online version.
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject
Music
Performing arts
Curriculum and pedagogy
Persistent link to this record
Citation
Takamizawa, R; Kenway, L, An analysis of musculoskeletal disorder risk factors associated with common pedagogical principles of the Lhevinne and Taubman piano schools: A literature review, Research Studies in Music Education, 2023