What Every Pianist Needs to Know About the Body

Author Thomas Mark simply states, "This is a book about how we move our bodies to play the piano." Based on the concepts of body mapping by Barbara and William Conable, What Every Pianist Needs to Know About the Body takes a closer look at the needs of keyboard players. The text is based on a solid foundation of clinical work. Anatomical facts, dozens of detailed illustrations, and excellent commentary by the author offer incredible insight into body mapping. These concepts are sure to bring about improved body awareness, a better quality of movement, and freer playing. Also included in this volume is a section entitled "What Every Organist Needs to Know about the Body." Roberta Gary and Thom Miles, authors of this piece, address the special needs of organists, concentrating on the use of feet, legs, and hips as well as the arms and hands.  The VHS Video companion to the book demonstrates the places of balance, standing and sitting in balance, structure and movement of the hands and arms, and other topics. Readers of the book who watch the video, follow the demonstrations, and imitate the movements will learn to experience the material, as if in a lesson with Thomas Mark.