Narrow-key piano trial period now underway – Try the instruments and take part in doctoral research!

For approximately four months, possibly longer, students and staff at the Sibelius Academy will have the opportunity to try out two pianos with narrower keyboards than those found on conventional pianos. You can access the instruments by booking the rooms through Tuudo:

• 6.0-inch octave (approx. 15.2 cm) – grand piano in room R-410
• 5.5-inch octave (approx. 14 cm) – upright piano in room N-526

Why should you try these instruments?

The aim of this trial period is to give pianists time to explore how different keyboard widths affect playing comfort, potentially reducing hand and arm tension. This may be particularly relevant for pianists who find the conventional keyboard limiting because of their hand size.

Read more about their potential uses and wider significance in the article: Who Is the Piano Made For? A Question of Hand Size, Technique and Tradition.

Doctoral researcher Kumi Shimozaki is currently investigating the potential uses of narrow-key pianos. The aim is to develop a practice model that helps pianists transition between keyboards of different sizes. As the first stage of her research, Kumi is interested in hearing about your experiences with narrow-key pianos. After trying one of the instruments, please consider sharing your experience by completing this short survey.

At a later stage, the research will also include a larger study in which participants will practise the same piano piece using keyboards of different sizes.

Inquiries

kumi.shimozaki@uniarts.fi