Mark T. - What Every Pianist Needs to Know About the Body

With supplementary material for organists by Roberta Gary and Thom Miles What Every Pianist Needs to Know about the Body is a book about how we move our bodies to play the piano. Author Thomas Mark takes a close look at the specific needs of players of keyboard instruments, whether piano, organ, harpsichord, or digital keyboard. Using the concept of Body Mapping developed by Barbara Conable and William Conable, he presents anatomical facts, detailed illustrations, and excellent commentary. This information can bring about improved body awareness, a better quality of movement, and better, freer playing from each musician. It may also enable readers to avoid or cure injury without traditional medical treatments. Organists Roberta Gary and Thom Miles have contributed sections addressing the special needs of organists, concentrating on the use of the feet, legs, and hips as well as the arms and hands. Thus, the book is as much for organists as it is for pianists. The principles in this book have the power to transform a keyboard musician’s playing by helping to guarantee pain-free, efficient movement and allowing technique and talent to shine! The Best Book on the Market in Its Field "This is simply the best book presently on the market for understanding and acquiring the principles of healthful, injury-preventive keyboard technique. Although nothing substitutes for hands-on training with a knowledgeable teacher, this book will be remarkably helpful to the injured or inquiring keyboardist. It is clear, succinct, and written in accessible, non-tedious language. Informative illustrations abound. The emphasis on technique as a coordination of the whole body with the instrument and the sound biomechanical information throughout are a welcomed relief from the hundreds of historically confusing and dense writings on technique. Technique is a highly complex, subtle physical activity which must be learned by understanding and sensing how the body mechanism works best. Thomas Mark and supplementary authors Gary and Miles, supported by the superb work of Barbara and Bill Conable in Body Mapping and Alexander Technique, have made a truly laudable contribution to the keyboard profession with this book." Reviewer: Barbara Lister-Sink