3D visual feedback in learning of piano posture

Abstract

An overlooked, yet essential problem in piano practice involves body posture. Bending the back, leaning towards the keys, lifting the wrist and other improper positions are usually noticed by piano teachers when instructing their students. If they sit too low, fingers will feel the burden of static arm weight; if they sit too high, the playing might become rigid with tension in wrist and shoulders. In this manner, visual feedback can help in realizing potential problems when playing the instrument. This paper discusses an innovative application of the techniques used for the 3D visualization of piano performances in any possible view, with the purpose of comparing them to a good model of someone playing the piano. It includes the capture and reconstruction of the 3D motion and posture of a professional piano player so that it may be compared against the posture and movements of students, by overlaying 2D videos of their practice session at the piano. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.