At Cardinal Keyboard day a few weeks ago I had the opportunity to observe a masterclass and lecture by Elizabeth Grace, M.M. Ms. Grace is an expert in the Taubman Approach, a holistic method of movement that attempts to eliminate tension that could cause injury, specifically for pianists. Dorothy Taubman (1917-2013) believed that “if playing the piano doesn’t feel delicious and euphoric, you’re doing something wrong,” and she studied anatomy thoroughly to develop a system of coordinate motion that would prevent injury before it began.

Ms. Grace discussed the principle of alignment (joints moving naturally as opposed to straining or moving in unhealthy ways) as well as stability vs. mobility (joints as systems of leverage that should be powerful and properly balanced but still able to move quickly) in her lecture, as well as addressing troublesome habits such as curling the fingers, twisting at the wrist, collapsing knuckle joints, stretching in unnatural ways, and isolating digits from the palm when playing the piano. Instead, she suggested some good methods for maintaining proper alignment, like sitting at the proper height and distance from the piano, using whole-body movement, and ensuring the torso, forearm, hand and fingers, and thumb remain aligned but not tense when practicing. She also recommended that pianists utilize techniques such as horizontal movement into the keys, confirming correct fingering, and taking mid-range notes with different hands, all of which should be noted on the score as best practice. 

If you or someone you know experiences pain or tension when playing piano or any instrument, please research the Taubman Approach for a helpful and holistic set of techniques to eliminate misalignment that could cause injury. We are often told as musicians that pain is just something that happens when you practice for long periods of time and should be ignored as a sign that your muscles are underdeveloped, and this is why many musicians suffer injury or near-injury before realizing that it’s not a lack of physical strength, but a lack of knowledge and technique causing the issue.

The Harriman-Series has a variety of acclaimed performances scheduled for the spring 2022 season. In the months of February and March, there are three scheduled performances, two of which are being held at the college in Gano Hall, making it even easier for students and those in the William Jewell community to attend. 

Martin James Bartlett will be performing in Gano Hall on Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. Bartlett is an acclaimed pianist from England whose growing fame has been achieved at the young age of 24. He won many prestigious awards in England as well as won the 2019 Harriman-Jewell Series Prize. As one of the Free Discovery Concerts in the Series, tickets are free to everyone who wishes to attend.

The Brandon Goldberg Trio is scheduled to perform at 7:30 p.m. on March 12 at White Theater in Overland Park, KS. Goldberg began playing the piano at a young age and became a respected jazz performer at only 15 years old. The Trio also includes Ben Wolfe playing the bass and Donald Edwards playing the drums.

Empire Wild is another trio scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. on March 26 at Jewell in Gano Hall as one of the Free Discovery Concerts. Empire Wild uses their artistic ability to combine genres of pop, folk, Broadway, jazz and more into their performances with the use of the cello, guitar, piano, voice, and other percussion. Their unique style puts a fun contemporary spin on familiar classics.

Free tickets available for William Jewell students can be reserved by visiting the Harriman-Jewell Series office located in Marston 220 anytime from Monday to Friday at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased by visiting the Harriman-Jewell Series website or calling the office at 816-415-5025.