International Journal of Music and Performing Arts

Biomechanical Characterization of Marimba Playing in Relation to the Strength of Sound
Chin-Cheng Lin, Ann Hallemans, Nils Vermeersch, Sarah Michiels , Steven Truijen, Yannick Willox, Stijn Verwulgen

Abstract
Musicians’ body postures are directly related to the playing technique and the production of sound. This paper is the first to investigate the biomechanics of the marimba playing technique in twenty-two preprofessional musicians. Body postures were explored by three-dimensional motion capture and were related to the strength of sound. Bachelor students showed more leaning forward over the marimba keyboard than master students. Furthermore, females showed more arm flexion and less leaning forward than males. Larger upper limb motion was related to an increased strength of sound. This study provides fundamental data that can be used to develop pedagogical guidelines in marimba performance to improve body balance and sound production.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijmpa.v5n1a4