Measurement of right-hand motion in Kotsuzumi performance with video analysis using smartphone-captured data
Chaity Saha, Akihiro Matsutani, Marie Tabaru · Physics Education · 2025
Abstract This research introduces a new approach to studying the right-hand striking motion in traditional Japanese Kotsuzumi drum playing through video analysis. The novel approach of this research involves using a smartphone camera for data collection and computer vision tools, particularly MediaPipe hands and pose models, to develop an automated, non-invasive measurement system for analysing drum strike motion. Our study highlights that physics can be effectively learned through applications in the musical field by providing a hands-on approach that makes learning engaging and practical with the help of new technology. This study shows that the right-hand motion in Kotsuzumi playing can be described by the principle of circular motion. Additionally, we observed that the sound pressure level (SPL) increases with the striking velocity. This smart motion analysis and measurement system can also be used as a teaching material for learning the physics of object movement.