November 2009 MTNA e-Journal

The Application Of An Ergonomically Modified Keyboard To Reduce Piano-Related Pain
By Eri Yoshimura and Kris Chesky
Small-handed pianists are at likely to experience pain because of mismatches between hand size and key width. Eri Yoshimura and Kris Chesky report on their study assessing the effectiveness of an ergonomically modified keyboard for alleviating playing-related pain. [Read More]

Realizing A Dream: Developing The First Professional Certificate Program In Injury-Preventive Technique Keyboard Technique
By Barbara Lister-Sink
Salem College in North Carolina boasts the first fully accredited Professional Certificate Program in Injury-Preventative Keyboard Technique. Barbara Lister-Sink, who developed and heads the program, shares her insights about incorporating wellness into a music curriculum. [Read More]

Discovering The Hand’s Skeleton: The Sensory-Motor Education Of Our Playing Apparatus
By Alan Fraser
In the second part of his series on Sensory-Motor Learning, Alan Fraser narrows his focus to the hand and details several Awareness Through Movement lessons for anyone who wants their hands to work better. [Read More]

The Benefits Of Stretching For Musicians: A Practical Guide
By Lesley Sisterhen McAllister
Relaxation techniques are known to help reduce stress, decrease the likelihood of getting sick and bring more focus to our everyday tasks. Musicians, especially, can benefit from relaxation techniques as they assist with performance situations. Lesley Sisterhen McAllister discusses stretching techniques designed to relax the body, offset performance anxiety and decrease the likelihood of injury. [Read More]