Performance quality - PIANISTS FOR ALTERNATIVELY SIZED KEYBOARDS
Very few studies have directly investigated aspects of the quality of a piano performance and considered how this might relate to hand span. One study (Lee, 1990) found hand ergonomic variables were not correlated with performance quality measures (dynamic and temporal evenness). However, the excerpts chosen (a simple five finger exercise and an arpeggio) did not involve wide stretches or leaps, thus this lack of association in relation to finger spans is perhaps not surprising. Female pianists appear to be far less disadvantaged, if at all, when performing baroque or early classical repertoire such as Bach and Mozart, as the musical figures tend to fall naturally ‘under the hand’ even for those with small hands. (See Gender differences in major competitions and performing careers)
The detailed work of Otto Ortmann early last century supports the notion that pianists with ‘small hands’ are handicapped in many ways. See: Principles of ergonomics and biomechanics. There is now very strong anecdotal evidence of improved quality of performances when a pianist can play a keyboard that best suits their hands. This evidence comes from the growing number of pianists who have experienced alternatively sized keyboards. See: Feedback from pianists