7.1 A student-led comprehensive warm-up and cool-down activities

<b>Introductory Commentary: </b>This video collection represents a significant post-project outcome of a long-term interventional study. Over the nine months following the initial research, New Zealand student participant Mercedez Uon meticulously developed and refined this comprehensive series of warm-up and cool-down exercises. Recognising a widespread lack of physical awareness among young pianists, Mercedes created this practical resource to empower her peers and fellow instrumentalists who are interested in integrating mindful body preparation into their training. By prioritising bodily preparation, the series aims to enhance technical efficiency, safeguard long-term physical health, and support expressive longevity for musicians at all levels.<br><b>Student Statement:</b>“This portfolio features 30 videos of physical warm-ups and cool-downs to practice before and after playing the piano.These exercises can help prevent pain and unnecessary tension in our bodies, which could lead to long-term injuries, while improving our mind-body connection.Each video includes instructions, demonstrations, and diagrams explaining the exercises’ effects on the body (from top to bottom). The exercises are inspired by the Feldenkrais Method, Tai Chi and the Alexander Technique. These somatic approaches share similar concepts - holistic body awareness, mental well-being, natural and comfortable posture, and slow, gentle movements.As a piano player who frequently experienced back pain and tenosynovitis, physical exercises helped reduce my symptoms. I recommend these videos because there have been many benefits gained from daily practice over a long time period, including being able to freely open our body, reduced muscle pain, mentally feeling rest assured, and being aware if we are uncomfortable and need rest.The videos can be further developed based on the practitioner's ideas and can be practiced during middle breaks, and cool-downs. ”— Mercedez UonThese videos form part of a broader research project investigating the development of coordinated movement in piano performance, with applications in piano pedagogy, injury prevention, and performance enhancement.