![[PDF]](/pb-assets/Icons/adobe-pdf-icon-1498649896243.png){kind=icon}
Abstract
This study examines whether the use of a 7/8 keyboard contributes to the physical ease of small-handed pianists in comparison to the conventional piano keyboard. A secondary research question focuses on the progression of physical ease in making the transition from one keyboard to the other. For the purposes of this study, the authors stipulated having a hand span of 8 in. or less as defining a “small-handed” pianist. Objective data measures were obtained through the use of surface electromyography (muscle activity measurement) and electrogoniometry (angle measurement). A questionnaire instrument was also used to examine the perception of participants as they experienced playing the 7/8-size piano keyboard in direct comparison with the conventional keyboard. Although objective data findings from this study are somewhat ambiguous, it is clear from the questionnaires that the majority of small-handed participants preferred the 7/8-size keyboard over the conventional one.
Keywords 7/8 Piano, small hands, hand size, keyboard, piano, ergonomics
|
An, K.N. , Hillberry, B.M. , Ryu, J. , & Bejjani, F. ( 1993). Upper extremity biomechanics in musicians. In F. J. Bejjani (Ed.), Current research in arts medicine (pp. 139-146). Chicago: A Cappella . Google Scholar | |
|
Bejjani, F.J. , Ferrara, L. , Xu, N. , Tomaino, C.M. , Pavlidis, L. , Wu, J. , et al. (1989). Comparison of three piano techniques as an implementation of a proposed experimental design. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 4, 109-113. Google Scholar | |
|
Breithaupt, R.M. ( 1909). Die naturlische klaviertechnik [The Natural Piano Technique] (Vol. 2; J. Bernhoff, Trans.). Leipzig, Germany: C. F. Kahnt Nachfolger. Google Scholar | |
|
Chung, I.-S. , Ryu, J. , Ohnishi, N. , Rowen, B. , & Headrich, J. ( 1992). Wrist motion analysis in pianists. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 7, 1-5. Google Scholar | |
|
Ferrario, V.F. , Macri, C. , Biffi, E. , Pollice, P. , & Sforza, C. ( 2007). Three-dimensional analysis of hand and finger movements during piano playing. Medical Problems of Performing Artists , 22, 18-23. Google Scholar | |
|
Harding, D.C. , Brandt, K.D. , & Hillberry, B.M. (1989). Minimization of finger joint forces and tendon tensions in pianists. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 4, 103-108. Google Scholar | ISI | |
|
Hillberry, B.M. , Wolf, F.G. , Hiner, S.L. , Keane, M.S. , & Brandt, K.D. ( 1993). Joint and tendon forces in pianists’ hands. In F. J. Bejjani (Ed.), Current research in arts medicine (pp. 169-171). Chicago: A Cappella. Google Scholar | |
|
Leone, C. ( 2003). Goldilocks had a choice. American Music Teacher, 52(6), 26-29. Google Scholar | |
|
Matthay, T. ( 1903). The act of touch in all its diversity: An analysis and synthesis of pianoforte tone-production. London: Bosworth. Google Scholar | |
|
Meinke, W.B. ( 1995). The work of piano virtuosity: An ergonomic analysis. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 10, 48-61. Google Scholar | |
|
Niebel, B.W. , & Frievalds, A. ( 2003). Methods, standards, & work design (11th ed.). Dubuque, IA: McGraw-Hill. Google Scholar | |
|
Norris, R.N. ( 1993). Applied ergonomics: Adaptive equipment and instrument modification of musicians. Maryland Medical Journal, 42, 271-275. Google Scholar | Medline | |
|
Ortmann, O. ( 1962). The physiological mechanics of piano technique. Toronto, Canada: EP Dutton. (Original work published 1929) Google Scholar | |
|
Parlitz, D. , Peschel, T. , & Altermuller, E. (1998). Assessment of dynamic finger forces in pianists: Effects of training and expertise. Journal of Biomechanics, 31, 1063-1067. Google Scholar | Crossref | Medline | |
|
Sakai, N. , Liu, M. , Su, F.-C. , Bishop, A. , & An, K.-N. ( 2006). Hand span and digital motion on the keyboard: Concerns of overuse syndrome in musicians. Journal of Hand Surgery , 31A, 830-835. Google Scholar | Crossref | |
|
Shan, G. , Visentin, P. , & Schultz, A. ( 2004). Multidimensional signal analysis as a means of better understanding factors associated with repetitive use in violin performance . Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 19, 129-139. Google Scholar | |
|
Snedeker, J.P. ( 2005). Adaptive engineering for musical instruments. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 20, 89-98. Google Scholar | |
|
Wagner, C. ( 1988). The pianist’s hand: Anthropometry and biomechanics . Ergonomics, 31, 97-131. Google Scholar | Crossref | Medline | |
|
Wristen, B. , & Deahl, L. ( 2003, June-July). Strategies for small-handed pianists. American Music Teacher, 52, 21-25. Google Scholar | |
|
Wristen, B. , Evans, S. , & Stergiou, N. ( 2006). Sight-reading versus repertoire performance on the piano: A case study using high speed motion analysis. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 21, 10-16. Google Scholar | |
|
Wristen, B. , Jung, M.-C. , Wismer, A.K.G. , & Hallbeck, M.S. (2006). Assessment of muscle activity and joint angles in small-handed pianists: A pilot study on the 7/8 size keyboard versus the full-sized keyboard. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 21, 3-9. Google Scholar | |
|
Yoshimura, E. , Paul, P. , Aerts, C. , & Chesky, K. ( 2006). Risk factors for piano-related pain among college students . Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 21, 118-125. Google Scholar |
