EXPLORING PHYSICAL DYNAMICS AND MOTOR COORDINATION IN PIANO PERFORMANCE
Main Article Content
Abstract
This research aims to investigate the physical dynamics of piano performers by observing and recording the movement patterns of their hands, wrists, and upper bodies, and analyzing how these dynamics influence performance efficiency and expressiveness. To reveal the role of motor coordination in complex performances by comparing motion capture data from performers of different skill levels. To explore how top pianists achieve precise control of musical dynamics and timbre through body movement adjustments by conducting in-depth case studies of their performance characteristics. Piano performance is a display of technical skill and an art that requires an intricate coordination of physical dynamics. The performer's hands, wrists, and upper body must work harmoniously to convey the intended musical expression. qualitative research methods, supplemented by quantitative research methods, to comprehensively explore the physical dynamics and motor coordination in piano performance. However, traditional pedagogy often overlooks the importance of these physical dynamics, which are crucial for both effective performance and injury prevention. This study employs a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, including literature review, empirical observation, motion capture analysis, and case studies, to investigate the physical dynamics and motor coordination involved in piano performance. The objectives are to understand how movement patterns influence efficiency and expression, assess differences between performers of varying skill levels, and analyze how professional pianists optimize their performance through body adjustments. The findings highlight the role of kinematic efficiency in achieving accuracy and expressive depth, providing practical insights for improving piano pedagogy. These results also provide practical applications for piano pedagogy, particularly in the realms of injury prevention, efficient practice methods, and enhancing the expressive capabilities of performers. Integrating these findings into piano education can ultimately foster more sustainable and expressive performance practices.
Article Details

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
References
Bi, T. X. (2023). On emotional expression in piano performance. In [Editors' Names] (Eds.), International Academic Forum on Cultural and Artistic Innovation Proceedings (Vol. 3, pp. 111–113). Macheng City Cultural Center.
Cai, Y. (2013). Avoiding muscular injury in hand training for piano technique. Huangzhong (Journal of Wuhan Conservatory of Music, China), 1, pp. 181–186.
Chen, B. (2022). Strategies for enhancing musical expressiveness in piano performance. Journal of Shanxi University of Finance and Economics, S1, pp. 212–214.
Chen, J. (2024). Reflections on piano performance technique training and emotional expression. Tomorrow's Fashion, 7, pp. 34–36.
Dou, J. H., & Wang, L. L. (2024). On the importance of emotional expression in piano performance. Tomorrow's Fashion, 10, pp. 7–9.
Grutzmann, G., & Lotze, A. (2012). Optimization of movement patterns in piano playing. Journal of New Music Research, 41(3), pp. 269–280.
Jazzar, S., & Aubin, M. (2010). Accuracy and speed of rapid finger movements in professional pianists. Journal of Motor Behavior, 42 (3), pp. 239–250.
Luo, Q. (2014). Experience and reflection on relaxation techniques in piano performance. Northern Music, 8, 206.
Ortmann, P. D., & Coubard, C. (2010). Piano touch: Analysis and modeling of piano keystroke dynamics. Music Perception, 28 (1), pp. 79–94.
Xiang, Y. R. (2023). The integration of musical skills and emotional expression in piano stage performance. China Art News, p. 007.
Zhang, D. N. (2024). Enhancing musical expressiveness to unleash the soul of piano performance. Cultural Industry, 15, pp. 43–45.
Zhang, L. B. (2018). A brief discussion on the characteristics of finger movement in piano performance. Yellow River Sound.