Teacher Perceptions of Beginner-Level Piano Technique and Injury Prevention

Many studies have been conducted examining musicians’ injuries and their prevention; however, most of this research focuses on the advanced pianist. Pedagogues and researchers agree that the early stages of piano study are crucial for developing proper habits regarding piano technique, and many believe that inefficient physical movements can be a factor in playing-related injury. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate current perspectives and perceptions of pre-college piano teachers regarding teaching technique to the beginner-level student and the relationship those perspectives have with injury prevention. The researcher created a questionnaire that was distributed to pre-college piano teachers from across the United States (N = 204). Participants were recruited via email and social media. This questionnaire contained questions concerning the order in which beginning piano techniques should be taught, participants’ preferred method books, participants’ perceptions on the relationship between technical training and injury prevention, and the influence method books have on technique pedagogy. Additionally, an open-ended question allowed participants to describe their teaching philosophies and strategies in their own words. Thematic coding was conducted on the responses. Results suggest that many teachers believe a relationship between beginner-level technique instruction and injury prevention exists. When teachers were divided into groups according to their preferred method books, the order in which they introduced technical skills to students varied. While 23% of participants believed that the method book was very influential on how they taught beginner students technique, 77% of the participants felt it was less influential (M = 3.35). Further study into the influence of method books upon teaching philosophies is warranted. This study provides the basis for more research to be conducted on beginner-level piano technique in order to aid in the prevention of future injuries and to promote healthy and fulfilling piano playing.