Internationally acclaimed marimba player Chin Cheng Lin presented his doctoral research project. The musician investigated the influence of the Chinese martial art Tai Chi on marimba playing. During the public defense, the judges and guests were shown a demonstration of Tai Chi. After the lecture and the q&a-round, Chin Cheng Lin put his findings into practice with a marimba recital.
Lin first studied the pedagogical technique of execution and artistic inspiration in marimba playing. He also studied movements of marimbists and described the characteristics of marimba playing. He then developed online instructions with which marimba players can use and evaluate Tai Chi movements in marimba education. Finally, Chin Cheng Lin integrated Tai Chi into musical compositions.
The research showed that the playing of the marimba became noticeably better thanks to the use of elements from Tai Chi. It had a favorable influence on the control of breathing, the feeling of gravity, by the application of Tai Chi movements in the upper and lower body. More research is needed into the physical analysis and the educational method for performing the technique.
By obtaining his doctorate, Chin Cheng Lin becomes the 9th Doctor of Arts at the Royal Conservatoire Antwerp!