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Small-handed Pianists use of a 7/8 Size versus the Conventional Keyboard Overview The technical problems encountered by small-handed pianists are directly related to the size of the piano keyboard. Other instruments, most notably string instruments, are available in various sizes (i.e. 7/8, 15/16 etc.), primarily for pedagogical reasons. Unfortunately, with regard to the size of the piano keyboard, a “one size fits all” mentality has prevailed. Players having small-sized hands have historically been dedicated amateurs. Aside from Wagner’s notable study (1988) on hand anthropometrics among pianists, writings addressing hand size issues have primarily concerned themselves with suggesting adaptive strategies for small-handed players (Deahl & Wristen, 2003). Small-handed pianists encounter problems that are directly related to the size of the piano keyboard. Other instruments, most notably string instruments, are available in various sizes (i.e. 7/8, 15/16 etc.), primarily for pedagogical reasons. Unfortunately, with regard to the size of the piano keyboard, a “one size fits all” mentality has prevailed. Players having small-sized hands have historically been dedicated amateurs. Aside from Wagner’s notable study (1988) on hand anthropometrics among pianists, writings addressing hand size issues have primarily concerned themselves with suggesting adaptive strategies for small-handed players (Deahl & Wristen, 2003). However, a new scaled (7/8 or 15/16) keyboard is now available. We would like to determine using both objective data from electromyography, electrogoniometry and errors in performance and subjective data such Research Questions:
Papers Muscular Forces and Joint Angles in Small-Handed Pianists: A Pilot Study on the 7/8 Size Keyboard LINKS This work is in collaboration with Dr. Brenda Wristen, Assistant Professor of Piano Pedagogy
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