The Lister-Sink method: a holistic approach to injury-preventive piano technique

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Mayumi Osada (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Andrew Willis

Abstract: Despite an increasing awareness among pianists, the problem of playing-related injuries has remained common. In spite of the abundance of seminars and workshops on healthful piano technique, very few methods or systems of teaching injury-preventive technique are available today. The Lister-Sink Method is a highly effective system to learn injury-preventive piano technique, based on both biomechanical principles of the human body and the mechanism of the piano action. Its core principle lies in the efficiency of tone production, and its effectiveness is founded on a step by step neuroprogramming of each component at each level to insure the foundation of good coordination. Kinesthetic awareness, mind-body connection, and active listening establish an integrated coordination among the mind, the body, and the instrument. After a review of existing literature on injury-preventive technique, including an explanation of the many causes of pianists' injuries, this document identifies the Lister-Sink Method as one of the few methods to successfully teach well-coordinated technique. The fundamental pedagogical approach of the Method is explained, body use patterns and playing mechanisms as defined in the Method are presented, and the fundamental element of the Method, the "Basic Stroke," is described. Applications of the "Basic Stroke" in the training process and in the study of selected piano literature are covered with reference to numerous musical examples.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2009
Keywords
Injury-prevention, Injury-preventive piano technique, Lister-Sink, Lister-Sink Method, Pianists' injuries, Piano technique
Subjects
Piano $x Instruction and study $x Physiological aspects.
Hand $x Wounds and injuries $x Prevention.
Piano $x Studies and exercises.

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