A Case Report on the Impact of Feldenkrais Method® with Experienced Pianists

Abstract

The aim of this case study was to investigate the efficacy of the Feldenkrais Method on piano playing through learning Awareness Through Movement^® lessons. This eight-week long qualitative research study collected the results of participant-chosen movement explorations and their sensorial, first-person experiences gathered through the use of participant diaries and pre- and post- interviews for measurement. These findings suggested positive improvements in music production skills, such as: technique, auditory perception, musical phrasing, tone quality, memorization, interpretation and overall control. The musician participants also reported enhancement of their experience of relaxation, posture, and bodily awareness in practice and performance. Future research may extend the time of experiment or apply more varieties of measurements for the benefits of musical performance and musician health.