Some aspects of the mechanics of piano playing
DI Stanier · University of Salford Institutional Repository (University of Salford) · 1973
Tue chief purpose of this thesis is to make a thorough examination of the leading works written on the technique of piano playing. The theories expounded in these works tend to be based on rather unscientific methods of analysis. The first object of the thesis is therefore to attempt to put the whole subject on a more scientific basis. In doing so, use is made of computer simulation methods, possibly for the first time in this field. In discussing the action of the piano, the old controversy over tone-quality is raised. New techniques for playing the piano are proposed. A scheme for more efficient learning, using electronic instrumentation, is proposed. Comments are made on the desirability or undesirability of introducing changes to the basic action of the piano. Part of the thesis (the section on arm movements) has been deliberately kept free of references to piano playing, so that it may be of general biomechanical interest.