5.8 From localised finger-hand-arm control to the whole-body coordination

The three clips in this video set showcase a senior student’s refined technical and expressive development through selections from Chopin’s Ballade No. 2 in F major, Op. 38. While the initial segment demonstrates polished finger-hand-arm coordination, subsequent clips highlight a pivotal shift toward torso engagement.In the third clip specifically, deliberate practice exercises—conducted over several weeks—are employed to activate the pelvis and integrate the torso and shoulder girdle, supported by lower-body grounding. These strategies, aligned with the holistic principles of the movement retraining programme, include targeted movements to awaken core stability, release tension, and promote proximal-to-distal coordination. The sequence illustrates a progressive integration of whole-body movement, culminating in greater physical ease, sonic richness, and musical momentum.These 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.