Anda di halaman 1dari 2

Running Head: Preventing PRMDs: A Method Book for Pianists 1

Preventing Performance Related Musculoskeletal Disorders:

A Method Book for Young Pianists

Kylie Rusch

Northern State University


Preventing PRMDs: A Method Book for Pianists 2

Abstract

Performance Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (PRMDs) are widespread among pianists and

can cause musicians to discontinue playing their instrument. A study by Allsop and Ackland

(2010) found 42.4 percent (214 adults) of the 505 adults they surveyed experienced PRMDs of

varying degrees throughout their careers as musicians. Ranelli, Smith, and Straker (2003) found

67 percent (489 children) of 731 children they surveyed have experienced PRMDs. The

underlying cause of PRMDs is tension, and bad habits of tension begin early. When young

students see difficult music, their instinct is to become tense (Sandor, 1981, p. 15). If piano

teachers do not intervene, students can form hazardous habits of playing with tension. In order

to circumvent issues of tension and prevent PRMDs, students need to learn tension-releasing

techniques early in their music career. The Alexander technique, devised by Frederick Matthias

Alexander in the 1800s, is a design of tension-free living whose principles may be applied to

piano. If students and their teachers learn the basics of the Alexander technique, they cannot

only learn to release tension when it occurs but anticipate and avoid tension. The researcher

studied the Alexander technique and interviewed musicians who prescribe to and teach the

Alexander Technique. The author then designed a supplemental book incorporating the

Alexander technique and best practices in avoiding and releasing tension. The researcher will

then distribute the supplemental book to the teachers in the Aberdeen Area Music Teachers

Association in order to test and revise it according to the feedback from the teachers and their

students. By creating this method book supplement, the author hopes to help students learn

freedom from playing with tension as a way to prevent PRMDs and lower occurrences of them in

the future.

Anda mungkin juga menyukai