Affiliations: Boston University, College of Health &
Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, Department of Occupational Therapy,
Boston, MA, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Natalie C. McKechnie, 11 Main
Street, Stowe, VT 05672, USA. Tel.: +1 802 373 6868; E-mail: ncmckech@gmail.com
Abstract: Objective: This study asserts that a combination of environmental
and physical factors influence the child pianist's risk for developing a music
related injury. Participants: 26 participants (10 piano students, 10
parents, and 6 piano teachers) were included in this study. Piano students were
ages 5 to 11 and currently enrolled in piano lessons. Methods: Three questionnaires addressed the factors affecting the participant groups
(children, parents, and piano teachers). Participants completed one
questionnaire about the factors contributing to the development of music
related injuries in child pianists. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze
the results. Results: None of the student participants had pain,
discomfort, or a history of music related injuries. The majority of parents and
teachers reported that the lighting was the most important environmental factor
affecting students' playing in the piano lesson. 70% of parents reported
that the presence of family members most greatly affected students' practicing
at home. 100% of the teachers and parents reported that the most important
physical factors contributing to students' injury-free playing were playing
with proper technique and learning effective practice strategies. All parents
and students who were taking piano lessons in their homes reported the most
satisfaction with their piano lesson environment. Conclusion: The results of this study do not support a relationship between environmental or physical
factors and the presence of pain, discomfort, or music related injuries in
students.
Keywords: Musicians, musculoskeletal discomfort, music related pain, pianists, risk factors
