Abstract

This thesis critically examines performance blocks among late arriving pianists. In particular, this thesis tests the potential of the Bio-aesthetic Approach to Musical Performance (BAMP) developed by Phil Cohen, in reducing established performance blocks through an exploratory methodology. BAMP is evaluated in terms of the performer's somatic and cognitive experiences in unblocking via the organization principle of sketch and test mode of verification. Specifically, this thesis considers the effectiveness of BAMP concepts in enhancing coherence in music performance---these include aesthetic order; cross-modal synchronization; expressive timing; homeokinesis; vocabulary; metaphoric imperative; paradoxical causality and delegated external I embodied conductor. Through a three-part research study---(1) case studies: one reflective, two participatory, and two observational; (2) a two-year case study with a late arriving pianist; and (3) interview studies with three career track concert pianists---a select number of tangible contributions to the formation of blocks have been examined. Effective unblocking processes have also been explored with late arriving pianists using concepts from BAMP. This study demonstrates that BAMP provides a useful perspective towards the study of musical performance blocks in late arriving pianists. The subtext of the research is to encourage researchers, performance analysts, and pedagogues to re-examine existing assumptions about appropriate methodology, pedagogical practices and approaches to musical performance