Marimba touché : application of the piano-playing approach to Marimba performance

This study investigates the implementation of a pianistic approach to marimba performance. Given the similarities between the piano and marimba, it was hypothesised that integrating pianistic principles into marimba practice could enhance overall musicality. The experimental design involved twenty students undertaking a two-month training period aimed at testing the effectiveness of applying selected piano-based techniques to specific marimba excerpts. The impact of this approach was evaluated through an audio-based assessment and a survey conducted by an international expert jury of twenty-five members, with particular attention to five musical dimensions: Sonority, Articulation Versatility, Dynamic Contrasts, Phrasing, and Overall Expression. The results suggest that the pianistic approach has the potential to contribute to the refinement of marimba performance, offering valuable pedagogical insights for future marimba training and research.