How long does it take to acquire well-coordinated, injury-preventive technique in the Lister-Sink Method?

That depends on how entrenched your old neuromuscular program is. Very old habits of piano, organ or keyboard playing take longer to change. Initially, it usually takes several weeks of hands-on instruction from a certified teacher to train the fundamental coordination of sound production—the “Basic Stroke.” The training includes 1) identifying chronic muscle tension and potentially harmful patterns of tension, first throughout the whole body, and then in the arms, hands and fingers; 2) acquiring musculoskeletal awareness and control; and 3) “reprogramming” new coordinations into the body and brain (the new neuromuscular program). 

Laying a solid foundation of kinesthetic awareness, muscle control and optimal skeletal alignment is critical. Constant monitoring by a qualified instructor is essential. Ideally, the initial training occurs in an intensive, hands-on workshop or almost daily short sessions so that the student is constantly monitored and only allowed to use the new coordinations. 

After the initial work on the Basic Stroke, training can continue in a number of ways until the new neuromuscular program of coordination is “downloaded” into the brain and body and the keyboardist is confident in the new coordinations. Bi- or tri-weekly training periods are most effective at this stage. 

Usually, after the initial foundational work is completed, the keyboardist and instructor work out a mutually agreeable schedule of instruction until the keyboardist is able to work more independently. If the keyboardist does not live near the instructor, webcam lessons can be useful despite the limitations. (Refer to Training Options section of the website and click the National and International Study link.)

As noted earlier, the fact that a movement appears right visually does not mean that the underlying coordination is really happening. However, to a trained eye, a video can often reveal misalignment and unnecessary or inappropriate muscle use, both in the arms and hands, as well as in the whole body.

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