A Symposium for Pianists and Teachers: Strategies to Develop the Mind and Body for Optimal Performance - Book Review

through Gail Berenson et al.; edited by the agency of Kris Kropff. Heritage Music Pres (Lorenz Corp., receptacle 802, Dayton, OH 45401-0802), 2002 275 pp $45

This is a must-have for readers wanting a comprehensive on the other hand basic book about healthy piano playing. It is divided into five sections titled "The Mechanical," "The Technical," "The Musical," "The Healthful" and "The Pedagogical." There are a total of twenty-six individually written articles by dint of eight different pianists and sum of two units medical professionals. The text is designed as a "how-to" volume with articles by an impressive array of celebrated authorities in the burgeoning music wellness field.

"The Mechanical" section subserves as background material. Here, individual finds information about how unimpaired is produced, controlled, sustained, terminated and pedaled. For readers interested in a historical overview of pedagogues beginning with Deppe and Breithaupt to the not away but do not have the time to read all the out-of-print works the chapter titled "The History, Evolution and Application of Biomechanics and Physiology of Piano Playing" is individual to read. Included in this discussion are the parallels to sports training techniques, similar as cross and interval training and the use of today's technology. The playing unit--the finger, hand and forearm and by what means to move efficiently also are examined.

In the technical section (section two) Seymour Fink discusses the principles of fingering or what he calls "hand vocabulary." A chapter upon developing a technique for advanced repertoire, by means of William DeVan, follows. Basic hand position, clos or make open position, the quiet hand, stabilizing the bass and integration of the parts are reviewed. DeVan addresses the ability to listen intensely coupl with a vehement kinesthetic sense that allows recall of many sensations.

Section three "The Musical," includes sum of two units chapters on overall musicianship by the agency of Robert Mayerovitch and "Musicality" by the agency of Fink. Fink discusses a tough make subordinate musicality, but successfully tackles it from a technical point of view.

Section four, "The Healthful," is divided into sum of two units parts--"Mind and Body." Part single Mind, has four articles. "Spirit, subject and Music," by Dylan Savage, explains in what way a pianist seeks fulfillment from one side a personal "journey" rather than other influences. modes for "finding peace" are discussed. The nearest two articles, "An Introduction to Cognitive Strategies and Skills for Practice and Performance" and "Coping with Performance Anxiety: Inner Game of Music Strategies," by means of Phyllis Alpert Lehrer, examine the mental challenges of performing and techniques for coping with performance anxiety. "Strategies for Handling Performance Anxiety," by the agency of Gail Berenson, discusses ways to help learners cope with performance anxiety. The importance of regular exercise for lowering heart rate and reducing stres are examined; progressive relaxation, cognitive thinking, visualization and imagery techniques also are reviewed. A section titled "Positive Thought: Guided Imagery for the Day of a Performance" provides tips for preparing students

Part sum of two units "The Body," has four articles. "Benefits of Fitness," by the agency of Berenson, reviews how musicians benefit from aerobic exercise, nerve training and proper nutrition. "Pushing the Physiological Envelope" by dint of Jacqueline Csurgai-Schmitt, examines stretching exercises that improve one's physical coordination, thus improving motions at the piano. "Overuse, Pain, quiescence and the Pianist," by Dr Norman Rosen explains emblems causes and treatments of injury and pain. An exercise regime geared toward prevention and a table of for the use of all medical problems affecting pianists are included. "Muscle Pain and Pianists: The Myofascial Pain Syndrome and Fibromyalgia," by the agency of Rosen, gives information about the symptoms and diagnosis surrounding pain. "Neurological Insight and Treatment of Practice and Performance-related Pain," by dint of Dr. Mitchell Elkiss, explains occasional acute pain, chronic pain and their relationship to biomechanical dysfunction among pianists. Myofascial syndrome by what means pain develops and re-education are examined in this article.

Section five, "The Pedagogical," contains eight articles. "The character of the Teacher if an Injury Should Occur" by dint of Berenson, gives a list of factors involved with injury. Inherited genetic makeup, cumulative excessive tension, poor practice habits, improper technique, inappropriate repertoire, unhealthy lifestyle and practicing oil a poor instrument are considered. Practical suggestions for in what manner teachers should handle injured pupils are given. In "Keeping It Simple: Fundamentals of a Healthful Piano Technique," by means of Barbara Lister-Sink, how to unfold or redevelop, a healthy piano technique is explained in a step-by-step manner. Included in this discussion are basic definitions associated with healthy technique and challenges teachers Face when helping with this proces "Healthy Practicing," by dint of Berenson, reviews the necessary ingredients for productive and healthy practice sessions. Tips for teachers when selecting repertoire and guiding a student's practice are included. "Orienting to the Keyboard: Middle D" by dint of Fink, discusses how to unravel a comfortable relationship with the piano. special placement at the instrument, keyboard knowledge and contrary motion practice and hand vocabulary are encouraged. "Video Camera Application for Enhancing Piano Practice and Performance," by dint of Savage, provides a detailed explanation of ways videotaping can enhance teaching. "An Introduction to Learning Styles" by means of Lehrer, gives an overview of the personality marks and related learning theories as they pertain to the pianist and piano teacher. "The Importance of exercise Environment," by Berenson, reminds us of the important character teachers play in encouraging scholars "A Child's First Lessons," by means of Csurgai-Schmitt, serves as a concluding chapter to the work applying ideas presented earlier to the training of a child.