Biomechanics of musical performance: development of expertise in a natural task, playing the trombone

The movement of the right arm of professional and novice trombone players was studied during musical performance. Data taken from the trombone slide, wrist and elbow indicate that there are similarities of activity among players, but professional performers move the slide more efficiently and use less elbow angle. Professionals also accelerate the slide faster than amateurs. Individual variability in motion was greatest in the wrist. The researchers believe that the biomechanical study of musical performance will contribute to increased understanding of expertise, improved pedagogy, and potentially an understanding of movement related injuries.