The effect of arm weight and tension on touch and tone production on the piano

Abstract

There is more to playing a piece of music than playing the right notes. How is a pianist able to create different tones? How can use of the body change the sound produced? What techniques are most suited for the chosen repertoire and why? This dissertation explores the answers to these questions through academic research and a case study of my own practice. In the first chapter, I will be speaking about how the piano works, how our body works and how it comes in to play in piano playing, and I will be looking at different schools of technique that arose throughout history. In the second chapter, I will be looking at different piano techniques, when and why they are used, and how they should be practised. In the third chapter, which is a Case Study, I will be speaking about how I applied the technqiues discussed in the second chapter to my chosen repertoire. I will be including the reasons for my choices and the effects that the technique have on the music. The conclusion will include general comments on what I have achieved through this dissertation as well as my limitations. It will also include my intentions for future endeavours.