“Pianistic” approach to Marimba playing is a new revolutionary ideas and technical abilities in twenty century. It is an innovative performing skill, greatly promoted by Theodor Milkov (1984-) and through his book (Four Mallets Method- My Pianistic Approach) . To improve original playing with both hands to complete only one melody, enhanced the skills to let both hands can play more notes, and achieve better interpretation to the music phrases.

This thesis through introducing Leigh Howard Stevens (1953-), the pioneer who developing the practice of single independent strokes, and his book (Method of Movement for Marimba with 590 exercises). The next prominent figure, Theodor Milkov (1984-) who coins the term “pianistic” approach and is well-known for his advanced development on the technique. And compared separately difference of traditional, Stevens and milkov ways.

Furthermore explains the skills about the pianistic approach, including the direction of mallets, scales, arpeggio, tremolo, ornaments. It also provides a single-hand scale diagram from Dr. Yiu-Kwong Chung. The spectral cases are from Sonata in B flat major, K.551 by Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757). It offers a comprehensive analysis and performing interpretation of two repertoire: Sonata in D minor, K.1 by Domenico Scarlatti and concerto for marimba and wind ensemble mov.II cadenza, thema Fugatum by Yiu-Kwong Chung (1956-).