Date: Fri, 17 Nov 1995 00:21:08 +1300 Subject: Re: Instrumental Technique (Was: Piano vs. hpschd. technique) Hello everyone, this is my second try at a post here, I hope it gets through. >In response to the recent thread on heavy vs. light piano techniques, I >would caution against making an automatic assumption that light is better. >My own RSI problems started after lots of practice at the harpsichord, which >has a much lighter touch than any piano could ever have. As a matter of >fact, "lightness" can actually contribute to forearm tightening, if the >player is not careful (which is what happened to me); the heavier touch of a >piano, on the other hand, allows the player more leeway in terms of greater >arm movement, thus preventing (somewhat) a rigidly fixed arm position. > >Are there any other harpsichordists out there who have had such problems? I'm sorry that I'm not a harpsichordist, I am a timpanist. I definitely agree that the arm action/weight is less important than keeping the arm flexible and relaxed. Timpani can be played at any volume from inaudible up to earth-shattering (who me?) which requires a variable amount of pressure, grip, attack, etc. I have found my RSI problems to come with tensing up during difficult passages (of any dynamic/volume). I'm also a nervous person so that only made the problem worse, especially in concerts. The ongoing solution for me is to get lots of physio help, to work on my breathing, my relaxation, and to study a more relaxed way of playing. I'm lucky to have a really cool physio who specializes in RSI treatment. I'll go over my own treatment at more length if people are interested??? Please reply to this so that I know it got through to the mailing list. Thanks. Bye, Mark. *Collector of Doom wads and Classical midi files*