Eighteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

Musical performance allows people of all backgrounds to speak the same language. Musicians know that practice makes perfect. The intention to work at perfection is innate, but the essential necessity is to understand technique. Too often, performers endure physical training that leads to pain and often injury. Pedagogy today should offer students answers as to how to promote corrective movement and ease at their instrument. Healthy habits are essential to enable instrumentalists to have boundless potential in music making. The lack of awareness of how to play technically and often musically, is the absence of concentration during practicing. If the mind tends to wander and the ear is not listening, then practicing can lead to sloppy playing. When it comes to instrumental technique, solutions involve visual display of movement and motion. In the last two centuries instruction was often a hearsay tradition. The lack of explanations in practice and technique present challenging situations. Two pioneers, Tobias Mathay (1858-1945) of England and Dorothy Taubman, (1917-2013) an American, were leading recognized piano pedagogues known for their perceptive and innovative approach to technique. I was fortunate to work with Dorothy Taubman and instruct pianists and other instrumentalists with her approach. Her effective ideas combine technique and coordinate motion that lay the groundwork for success. My session demonstrates skills that are also useful for those with computer related issues. The results are remarkable and easy to facilitate. The collaboration of skills and proper practice enable musicians to achieve their potential.