My Piano Has A Secret

[@YagmurSimsekPiano]

Hi Linda, amazing video. It’s a relief to see people like you talk about this subject. I see that it’s been a while since you posted this video and today Steinway has the new Sirius 6.0 with the narrow keys, I can’t wait for the narrow keys to be more accessible to the small handed pianists like us; I want to be hopeful that we’ll have the option to choose a narrow keyboard not only for practicing with them, but the venues will have them too.

[@MusicalBasics]

Hi Linda, I'd love to offer my help in this movement. Raising visibility & awareness about this issue is paramount. The first step is I'd highly recommend you change your title to "Have small hands? I improved my playing 100% with a SMALLER KEYBOARD". Then, the thumbnail you should have a A/B - have on the left side the regular sized piano with the words "ORIGINAL" and then on the "SMALLER" and then show your hands reach on each of them. Please reach out to me if you want to discuss further. Spreading awareness about the alternate sized keyboards is our first step in getting manufacturers to make smaller keyboards ubiquitous.

[@PlayPianoChords]

Thanks for your tips. Great ideas! I've added another link to see the new narrow key digital piano in action. It's not on KZbin yet as the recording needs work. www.playpianochordstoday.com/narrow. Would love to connect. You can reach me on my website www.playpianochordstoday.com. Love your channel!

[@88steps81]

@@PlayPianoChords He is right. I would suggest talking to bigger piano channels here on YT as well. I found out this topic through MusicalBasics channel. We shouldn't wait for people to offer their help, ask for it. Also there is a need to mention the petition in all videos like that, so people will know that they can do something. I'm linking the petition under every comment mentioning small hands in piano related videos.

[@PlayPianoChords]

@@88steps81 Thanks for your comments. So much to do! We are actively working on bringing an affordable digital to market this year. Here's how to be notified when it is ready www.narrowkeys.com/shop.

[@vladislavmatiusenco1089]

It would be a dream come true if finally in the 21st century people could choose the right keyboard size for them at an affordable price. I know you are developing a digital piano with 5.5" octave. Please don't give up and make that happen. People need that. I want to buy one.

[@DanielSadjadi]

I agree 100%. It's heartbreaking not being able to play my favorite music. I've tried improving my technique and simplifying big chords but it's no use, sometimes I'm playing something I think I can manage and end up aggravating my pain, tendonitis sucks. Standard piano keys are just way too big for most people! It's even more heartbreaking there's only a couple people in the world making narrow sized keyboards and the millions who would benefit from smaller keyboards can't currently use one. I've been stuck in the cast stage you experienced, it would be such a dream to get a narrow keyboard I can afford and finally unlock playing Rachmaninoff's magnificient bells! And more!

[@PlayPianoChords]

Keep checking narrowkeys.com There may be a narrow key piano and Rachmaninoff in your future! That's all I can say for now. AND I hope you heal quickly. 🎶

[@jennywang803]

I totally agree that it is necessary to reach a 10th interval to play the majority of advanced level pieces and any music with chords that span a 10th. I have very small hands and can barely reach an octave (only at the edge of white keys). I had piano lessons for 11 years during my childhood and was very disappointed that my hands never grew enough to play octaves and octave chords with ease. However, I still want to play music that I cannot reach, literally. I have now owned a DS5.5 keyboard for over 10 years, and it allows me to play pieces (including romantic period music) that were impossible on the conventional 6.5 inch octave. My adult son also has small hands, and he discovered that the 5.5 inch octave is actually a superior size for him. Some of the technical difficulties he previously experienced on the 6.5 disappeared after switching to 5.5 narrow keys. He can reach a 10th on the 5.5, and therefore far more options of piano music are now open to him as well. Narrow keys are indeed a hidden gem, but I hope this secret will not stay hidden for long. If a digital manufacturer makes 5.5 keyboards with full-length weighted keys, I'll buy two right away.

[@zaj58]

yes .. if a digital manufacturer is thinking about this ..please do it...i will pay in advance!!

[@vladislavmatiusenco1089]

You're right on everything, but reaching a 10th is not the main reason that allows you to play advanced pieces. The thing is, if you can reach a 10th that means that you can play octaves comfortably enough to allow you to play successions of fast octaves, fast progression of chords with octaves. This is not possible if you aren't comfortable enough to play octaves with relaxed hands, you need to be relaxed in order to play fast octaves. So reaching 2 keys more than an octave is the beginning of the sweetspot when octaves become comfortable. The larger the hands, the less you have to stretch when reaching an octave, that means more relaxed hands, more speed, more endurance, no wrong notes. That is why reaching a 10th, comfortable or no, is important

[@larghedoggo9607]

​​@@vladislavmatiusenco1089 Hi, I don't understand why you explain this again cuz you understand why it is necessary. As you can see, Ms. Gould could play this Chopin Etude on "regular" piano. However, it sacrifice the musicality and health in certain level, which is super important especially for serious pianists. And it is exactly what you said. You basically just explain it again and end up agree with point of the view..

[@larghedoggo9607]

It's hard to imagine how a piano player survive with healthly mental who even have problem reaching octave. I can only hook the edge of 9th, and feel so disappointed learning this op10 no4(in big rolling chord parts ofc). 1 key smaller? Impossible to play major pieces since octave is essential in different type of music! I am glad you got a resolution and keep your passion with music, best regards!

[@tinyhandpianistyejinhan]

I do agree with you 100%. It is an insult saying to small hand pianists that hand size doesn’t matter but flexibility is, and yes flexibility is more important to play well than hand sizes, however, if you cannot even play octaves comfortably, your repertoire is limited and your future as a concert pianist is limited and it is another insult saying to small hands people that we should play Mozart, Bach, Scarlatti, basically telling us not to play Beethoven and beyond. What is the point if you are going to only play those repertoire. To be specialized or to be safe? Then yes. But do our audience only want to hear Mozart or Bach? Even Alicia de la Rocha can reach 9th even though her hands are small she has long pinkies. It is our choice to play piano, however, limited resources is frustrating us when your desire is big.

[@jennye126]

Wow... this is the video i needed. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@kilimanjarno]

This video needs five million views. This would have so helped me and so so so many.

[@paskpianos]

Help us get more views!

[@janstirling5009]

Linda, I hope you convince a company to make your kind of piano and keyboard affordable. And actually I've also seen the opposite problem. Men with such wide fingers they couldn't fit between the black keys. You go girl!

[@kishapianotutorials]

Oh we need digital pianos to make this badly. I can only see Hailun and Steinway doing it for their acoustic piano. This is massively underrated. I don't have the motivation to work on my diploma pieces when I know that such a blessing exists and I am toiling for no use.

[@dawncheung7442]

I toally agree. I also have small hands and i can JUST reach an octave. I wish i can get my hands on a DS 5.5 keyboard. I cant find anything local tgat offers narrow keyboard.

[@sabrinaf4444]

Yes!! I would jump at the chance to have a smaller keyboard. Octaves are even a struggle for me, passages of parallel 8ths are nearly impossible. I was amazed at the difference between your sound on the smaller and larger piano. It makes the NEED for different size keyboards obvious.

[@jg5134]

I am a young female and CAN reach a 10th on a standard keyboard. Despite this I’ve had 2 horrible injuries from overstretching in my thumb and the junction between my ring and pinky finger on my right hand. I’ve had to stop playing the exciting and fulfilling pieces that I once used to enjoy. It would be really cool to see a shift in sizes since more people could play more exciting repertoire without risking permanent injuries.

[@suegould88]

Terrific video Linda! I'm your sister and know all of what you said, and I was still riveted! Can't wait for our next tour together with you on the small keyboard. I can just reach that 10th....but only barely. But it's enough to not get injured. One thing you forgot to mention - transition time. It only takes about a week or less for the brain to "switch over" to the new size. At least that's what I remember you telling me!

[@jigglybandito9505]

Ahhh my favorite composer. Nice playing.

[@kathystrauch]

I am also in line to buy a digital piano in this size (whenever one comes out!) Although I am among the lucky few who owns one of the 200 pianos with the size keyboard shown in this video, I want the digital for silent practice when I'd be annoying someone else in the family. You don't have to be attempting "professional" level repertoire to enjoy the benefits of narrower keys. I am an intermediate student at best, and I love being able to play chords that span an octave. I can play wide broken chords with a smooth legato expression. On the standard size keyboard (my Roland digital) I feel like I am jumping from rock to rock, instead of stepping (or waltzing) calmly along a path. We need a digital piano offered in this size! Digital pianos are small, portable and personal instruments. They should be offered in multiple sizes to suit the pianist's hands.

[@Li-yt7zh]

Where would one find 1 of the 200 in existence? Are they still being made / exhorbitantly expensive? This is interesting because I have many adults in the family where aided/forced stretching can reach no more than a 6th from tips of keys. TY for your reply! :)

[@PlayPianoChords]

@@Li-yt7zh Here's a link to check out paskpiano.org/where-to-try-these-keyboards/

[@Diego_Occhipinti]

Thank you so much for this. I' ve been constantly struggling with myself, blaming myself because some people, long long long ago, told me that my idea of my "small hands" was an excuse to elude hard work. I injuried both my left and right hand trying to stretch or simply practising chords for 2 or 3 hours a day with no other results than frustration. Some people suggested me to do psychotherapy. Always blaming myself. I can't reach a 10th, and I never will. And my hands are not very much flexible. There were times when I begged to my teacher " please, tell me I can not play this" and I'll stop trying . These las 30 years could have been a time of pleasant playing and trully development of MY possibilities instead of a painful battle against myself, leading to injurie and frustration.

[@PlayPianoChords]

Teachers thoughts and comments are very powerful. I hope your comment will help future teachers have a deeper understanding.

[@irisgirl86music14]

I am also a pianist with small hands who can just reach an octave without using the edges of the white keys, and I would definitely benefit from using a narrower keyboard on my piano. The struggle for small handed pianists is real, and let me tell you, I could not play octaves at all without using the edges of the white keys until I was 15 and a half years old, and I still have to use the edges of the keys to this day in order to have the most sound control when playing loud, voiced octave chords. I even consider myself lucky because I don't have the smallest hands in the world, and I know people whose hands that are even smaller than mine who would struggle way more than I would. While I have no difficulty playing a full size violin and even a smaller 15.5" viola thanks to some joint flexibility, on string instruments I am able to extend my fingers to reach notes in ways that simply offer me no additional advantages on piano. If pianos with smaller keyboards were readily available, I would seriously consider using one right away.

[@sherlynchoo8913]

Yes I agree . I can’t even reach an octave and is depressing not able to play many pieces. There should be piano keyboard of much narrower keys . When will it be happen ? We really need a big change !

[@PlayPianoChords]

Acoustic pianos are available now, and a digital version is prototyped and being manufactured very soon. www.narrowkeys.com/shop

[@emmanelson5363]

I can also only reach a ninth on a normal keyboard, and it's a real struggle. My favorite composers are Rachmaninoff, Joplin, and Liszt, who all have big hands/chords. I would love to try a piano with small keys sometime, it sounds magical to be able to play what you want!

[@PlayPianoChords]

Magical is the right word, Emma!

[@evennorthug2585]

Linda, you're a true pioneer! Time's overdue for narrow keyboards. Hand size statistics are clear. The standard 6.5" keyboard is too large for the average female hand. This also goes for the average male hand. As you develop as a pianist and become more aware of hand biomechanics, you realize smoothness suffering and a large portion of the classical repertoire being off limits. And of course you miss the 10th, especially when voicing jazz chords. When the digital piano came along, there was no longer any reason for clinging to uniform size. Still, leading manufacturers have been holding back. I think they have misjudged their public. Let's all hope 2022 will be the year going down in piano history! Hurray for your honesty and guts!

[@NiRo_90125]

I personally think that the DS 6.0 or even 5.5 should be the new standard for modern piano keyboards. This is coming from a guitarist who played a shortened version of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, 1st Movement for his exam in music school. When ever I play that piece there are moments where it feels like my fingers are about to get dislocated, and I have a span of 8.5” from pinky to thumb.

[@marissasingleton6087]

I was fortunate to be able to try out a 5.5 inch octave keyboard a few months ago and I was amazed. I am a jazz piano student and I would buy a digital keyboard with a 5.5 keyboard if it were available right now. I've submitted feedback to several digital piano manufacturers to this fact. In a jazz piano master class, other pianists talked to the instructors about the problem of small hands. When they said "stretching exercises", I knew that they could not relate to the problems that we small handed pianists suffer from. The injury I am recovering from is caused in part from exactly what you talked about on your video. I can eventually have the piano in my home modified, but I need a "right sized" keyboard that I can take with me when I play with other jazz musicians, and I would love to have that keyboard right now. I've signed the petition and hope piano manufacturers are listening. There is a market opportunity for "right sized" keyboards if they choose to exploit it. There are 3/4 sized basses and 3/4 sized guitars and mens/womens skis. Human factors data clearly shows that women are adversely affected by the decisions made (years ago) to standardize pianos on a male hand. I was astounded to learn that some of the older piano repertoire was actually written for piano when piano keys were smaller than they are today.

[@PlayPianoChords]

Thanks for signing the petition Marissa!

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

As a pianist of one month and a week, I agree. Octaves are my limit. I watched another video about this keyboard from someone whose name escapes me at the time, and he was convinced. There was a moment when a pianist sat down at the keyboard for the first time....and cried. Very moving. Even though I'm not the piano virtuoso, I was a Chiropractor that had to adapt to a major orthopedic problem. Because of this I had to completely change my techniques. And I specialized in shoulders, and of course like shoulder specialists often they become specialists for upper extremities, including the hand. My first advice is to not see a Chiropractor for a shoulder problem, or anyone that manipulates the shoulder. Here in Europe I tried to teach the Chiropractors my techniques, and gave up. Even Osteopaths and Physical Therapists are hesitant since it requires a great strength in the hands to work around the shoulder blade. And by liberating the shoulder blade, that allows the hand and forearm to work much easier. I also hope you are doing exercises for your back, since you can't smile and play piano with back pain.

[@PlayPianoChords]

Very enlightening! I have never experienced back pain while playing the piano. Early on my teacher showed me how to sit at the piano so the vertebrae where all happy. I hope you enjoy your piano journey!

[@erichart2072]

I agree with you completely. Thank you for making this video. I loved your comparisons and presentation. I truly hope that these alternate sizes catch on. The moment someone makes a 15/16 digital instrument, no matter who makes it or how expensive, I will purchase instantly. If 7/8 comes first in digital form that'd work for me too.

[@KyleHohn]

This is so cool. I really hope there is a change in the manufacturing industry!!!

[@AdrianZapata-f5c]

Lady pianist is definitely a Virtuoso Consummate Professional musician.

[@hooolahan]

Yes!! YES!! It only makes sense.

[@japzproductions]

Thank you for this. always been frustrated not being able to reach those jazzy 10ths. badly need this keyboard

[@blauschuh]

Linda, How would these work in a practical setting? In a concert setting I'm envisioning a crew having to wheel out the standard piano and wheel in the smaller scale version. I've got about the same size hands as you. My 7 yo daughter is just starting piano lessons, and I'm realizing I can play a comfortable 8th, but a 9th is doable but tough... forget a 10th. I play mostly guitar. I can manage just fine on a full scale guitar (24.75" of 25.5" scale) with 99% of material, but if I switch to a 23.5" scale it's much easier. The convenient thing about the guitar, unlike a large piano, is that I could just pack the short scale guitar with me and plug in at the venue with no fuss. I really admire your perseverance, Honestly, I think I would have had thoughts of giving up when I realized I could not reach a 10th. Just curious, on the standard piano... What would you say is the percentage of pieces that you just can't play as intended? It would really irritate me if 20% of the pieces I wanted to learn were literally just out of reach.

[@PlayPianoChords]

You asked some good questions. Ideally every major concert hall would have a storage area to house 3 piano ACTIONS. One would be a 6.5`` octave (the regular) one would be a 6.0`` octave (similar size to the piano Daniel Barenboim gives concerts on) and a 5.5`` octave (ideal for 80% of females and 20% of males). Piano actions are easy to store and can be changed out in a matter of minutes. This is what an action looks like www.cbc.ca/radio/docproject/right-hands-wrong-piano-a-game-changer-for-small-handed-pianists-1.3819321 Piano has always been less portable than guitar and digital pianos have improved the situation. I am currently working with a partner to produce 5.5 digital pianos. We have a prototypes which I currently use in concerts. www.narrowkeys.com/ Irritating is a good way to describe it when a large part of the piano repertoire is out of your reach. I LOVE playing the piano. How the keys feel and how I can be a whole orchestra. Playing my narrow key grand and now my narrow key digital is a dream come true. I hope you and your daughter spend many hours together creating music!

[@ValkyRiver]

@@PlayPianoChords Yesterday I went to Erica Booker’s studio to try some of her pianos with narrow keys (warning: premature hand reveal) First try of 15/16 size: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hajJdaCjjpaCgqs First try of 7/8 size: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYrUn2utbtOUf5Y

[@PriyankaThakur]

I would love to buy this 5.5 as soon as it comes out... I cannot eleven reach an octave on my Yamaha....and it is so much frustrating when you can’t play something you love just because the keyboard companies don’t care to provide you the right size. Your statement of MAY BE THAT IS GOING TO COME made me so much hopeful.

[@rachellim9147]

Please check out this video too !! -> m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3jaeHWlr7V9fMk (( Interview with David Steinbuhler, Developer of Smaller Piano Keyboards )) 😊

[@rachellim9147]

Please Sign This Petition !! -> www.gopetition.com/petitions/need-piano-keyboards-that-fit-our-hands.html It is to move Manufacturers to make change .

[@bryantaylor2946]

Brava Linda, Bravo Chris Donison. I can't believe that this project has not made inroads in the past 40 years. It was a great idea then, and now. With the huge manufacturing scale of Chinese piano makers, you would think one enterprising piano maker would corner the market in DS5.5 or DS6.0 keyboards. Keep at it, why should only some people have the chance for a concert career? Trumpet players play mouthpieces to suit their unique physiology, why not pianists?

[@miltonschlosser1491]

Thanks, Linda, for your informative video and comments. Your observations are provocative and timely; as an adjudicator, I am often left observing musicians struggling physically for a variety of reasons, including what you address in this video. As you mention, other instruments such as in the string family have different sizes to accommodate various physiques. While I am not an expert in the history of keyboard designs, I am aware, when I play pipe organs, that many of these instruments have differing lengths of keys as well as key widths (particularly those new instruments constructed on Baroque design principles). The reasons for the extreme standardization related to pianos deserve exploration and consideration, particularly in light of how other instrumental families handle different body sizes. P.S. I have also encountered musicians whose fingers are so wide that accuracy is problematic (often striking two keys at once). Might we, in future, even have keyboards for these people that have wider keys? Thanks again!

[@estherchungmarkspianostudio]

Hello Linda, your video was superb in terms of content and presentation! After getting my Steinway retrofitted with the DS 5.5, like you, I got to work right away on Op.10 No.4 - as well as the coda of the first Ballade. 😄 And finally, Liszt is within reach! It is so gratifying. Looking forward to hearing more from you.

[@suzannelichtensteinmusicsc5836]

Yes, please! I want a 5.5" so much!!! Thank you for making this video and encouraging major manufacturers that fit the hands of most players!

[@PlayPianoChords]

I am thrilled to say that I have ordered a custom 5.5 digital keyboard (from a small manufacturer) which will arrive in the New Year!! They have made 4 of them and we will be trying them out and working out any kinks but the 24 key sample they sent me a couple of months ago was wonderful. I will keep this chanel posted and hopefully we will have something affordable in the future :-)

[@zaj58]

@@PlayPianoChords did you ever get your digital keyboard?? are they available to anyone else??

[@PlayPianoChords]

@@zaj58 Yes we have a prototype and we are working on an affordable model to make available. www.playpianochordstoday.com/narrow

[@Hecatonicosachoron54]

Woah, I never thought about this. I hope that my hands will either grow bigger or that I can get one of these pianos. They should really make more of these.

[@davethepianoman88]

If you get a chance to sign the PASK petition please do so. Every signature helps tell the manufacturers that we need these pianos. Thanks!

[@allison210]

I would love love love to have a piano (or preferably a good electric keyboard) with these narrower keys. Not being able to more than barely reach an octave really frustrates me to the point where I want to give up since I can't play the pieces I want to play. It would make such a big difference to me if I could just comfortably reach an octave. As soon as there is an affordable option, I will be first in line!!

[@beckydellmusicacademy5620]

This is fascinating watching it and resonates with my experience as well. Thank you for making this video and sharing your experience. Let's make pianos pain-free! Becky

[@PlayPianoChords]

That would be wonderful!

[@Analekt]

For the win! Ive been waiting for a narrower and affordable digital piano keyboard since 2009. And still waiting wow :)

[@paskpianos]

Options are starting to become available - acoustics now with Hailun, hopefully dgitals later this year - see: paskpiano.org

[@Analekt]

@@paskpianos Thx! Yeah i know this website very well, if digital to be available by the end of 2020 that be an excellent Christmas present.

[@gijsschubert7901]

Hi Linda, this is a very nice and moving story. I have no issue in reaching a 10th but I can imagine the frustration of talented people not being able to, simply because there is only one uniform keyboard size! I like your comparison: imagine there would be only one size shoe.... I sincerely hope a piano sales market will develop for the 5.5 or 6"size piano's. Go for it!

[@applejuices]

I eh, can kind of reach a 10th, stretching from c to e, but that really isn't enough for some Liszt pieces. They require full 10ths, like d to f#, which I just can't reach.

[@kalilavalezina]

I would absolutely prefer to buy a narrower keyed piano! I'd also prefer one that's better suited to someone my height (5’ 2”). I have to sit on a cushion and I get cramps after 30 minutes of playing. I personally think we need pianos built to suit smaller people in general. I guess the piano manufacturers need to see a demand before making these narrower pianos more wide spread. Have you approached any manufacturers to ask about this? Great video. I never knew these pianos existed before today.

[@PlayPianoChords]

Thanks for your comments. Yes, all the major manufacturers are aware of this demand. Here are a couple of links of what is available now. Acoustic narrow key pianos paskpiano.org/manufacturers/ and Digital narrow keyboards www.playpianochordstoday.com/narrow

[@LaserGryph]

I can reach a 9th if I hang off the edge of the keys. I would love if pianos had various sizes. The problem comes from manufacturers who are reluctant to make alternate sizes available. And for those of us who work mainly on digital pianos, I'm not even gonna hold my breath. It seems that unless manufacturers received a massive amount of complaints, they're likely not going to do anything about it.

[@ADuchessInside]

Thank you so much for this video! I've struggled with tendonitis and pain for years, and I know stretching my hands in awkward, ergonomically unsafe ways is the major reason why. My hands aren't especially small, either - they're just average sized woman's hands! The fact that the only real keyboard option is one made with men's larger hands in mind is so frustrating. I hope the industry catches up to reality at some point, but it seems like it's taking a very long time for people to become aware of the need to accommodate diversity in pianists. Personally, I'd be willing to spend the money to have my piano fitted with an alternatively sized keyboard since as an amateur who plays as a hobby, at least 95% of my piano playing is done at home. It would be wonderful to be able to play things that I can't right now without hurting myself. But my question for you is, how do you deal with playing pianos that aren't your own, when you have to perform in places where only a standard piano is available? Do you just avoid the more "stretchy" pieces and save them for enjoying at home? Do you have a hard time moving back and forth between your own piano and standard pianos? I can't help thinking that my piano teacher would be less than thrilled if I got a reduced size keyboard, if only because I wouldn't be using the "normal" keyboard available at her studio, at competitions and recital venues, etc.

[@PlayPianoChords]

Great question, Meilssa. First, all of us who own narrow key pianos agree there is no difficulty moving from narrow to regular keys. There is the old frustration of having hands too small but no difficulty adjusting. That said, I have been playing narrow keys for over 2 decades and I am not as in love with the regular piano keys as I used to be. I have so much fun on the narrow keys. I do still perform on regular keys (often) and rework the stretchy parts as always. Our dream is twofold, narrow key digital pianos and the major concert halls offering a choice of keyboard size. They don't need a whole other piano, just a narrow key action to slide into the piano they already have. I hope you get to own one someday!

[@paskpianos]

Hi Melissa, I support Linda's comments too. I have a DS5.5 also and when I have to perform somewhere else, I do any final practice on a conventional keyboard in a digital piano that I bought to avoid the bother of swapping keyboards over in my grand. But it easy to swap back to the large size - you just need a quick warm up - and you actually play better on it, after having benefitted from a more relaxed technique that develops on the keyboard that fits your hands. For information on where you can try these keyboards and manufacturers, see the website: paskpiano.org. Also, here is a link to a video on the PASK KZbin channel showing Prof Carol Leone swapping easily between keyboards: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kF7Ee2qfnrZohcU

[@ADuchessInside]

@@paskpianos Thanks to both you and Linda for your replies! The more I find out about smaller keyboards, the more I think it's right for me. Now to save up and make it happen. :)

[@paskpianos]

@@ADuchessInside Note that I have just made a couple of small edits to the video of Carol Leone, and re-uploaded, so the link has now changed: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIu1fn9qgbSepdE

[@timdrake4951]

Thank you! I agree, we should have all sizes available. There's no reason to exclude a majority of people simply because of hand size. That's asinine. That's like saying "No, this truck/SUV is not for you. You're too short to reach." We don't say that. We have adjustable seats!

[@the1zeldafan609]

i wholeheartedly agree (although my hands are [will hopefully be] large enough)

[@PlayPianoChords]

Thanks for your understanding and support.

[@heidilyn5275]

Thank you. I agree completely.

[@zaj58]

this is so great... i have wished so many times hat my hands were bigger or my keyboard was smaller..its nice to know it actually exists...if someone would make a good quality digital keyboard ( even if just a controller) it would open up so much more of what i could play... i know what to play , i just cant facilitate it... I play jazz mostly , most all of the best jazz pianists and organist ( and gospel) play 10ths.. and sometimes 11ths!!... i always wanted to play stride piano without rolling those tenths ..instead hitting that 1-b7-10 in my left hand cleanly on the head...please make these keyboards available manufactures if your listening... you will sell many of them...in fact the first company that does it is going to make a windfall ...trust me...

[@PlayPianoChords]

Thanks for your comments! We have a digital narrow key prototype that has recently been created. Please let us know if you want to be contacted when there is more news about them. More info here... www.playpianochordstoday.com/narrow

[@KyleHohn]

Wow! I had to check my playback speed to make sure I was in 1x speed when you played the Op. 10 No. 4!!!!

[@PlayPianoChords]

:-)

[@spacevspitch4028]

I can reach white-key 10ths and black to white m10ths in my left hand relatively comfortably (black to white and white to black M10ths are just barely out of reach) but I'd love to be able to reach full Rachmaninoff chords. Chords like 1 5 8 10, 1 b7 10, etc. At the end of Rachmaninoff's F#m prelude is a chord, F# C# F#' A' with fingers 5 3 2 1. I can _almost_ get it. There's a video where Marc Andre Hamelin plays a chord, Ab Eb Ab C, with fingers 5 3 2 1 and can play 11ths at the outer limits of his range. Either way, I think smaller, portable keyboard actions should be standard!

[@PlayPianoChords]

Reaching the big chords is a dream come true! I can reach the Rachmaninoff chord but the Hamelin chord is a little out of reach. I hope you get to try one someday, or even better own one!🎹😊

[@Gailrstarr]

If I had had access to a piano like this, I might have pursued further studies to become professional! How do we make this happen. Great Chopin performance.

[@PlayPianoChords]

Thank you Gail and I can relate! Sign the PASK petition to let manufacturers know we want this option. Support the manufacturers that are making acoustic pianos and retrofitting (see paskpiano.org/manufacturers-technicians/) and share, share, share. We need to be heard!

[@Gailrstarr]

Signed! Thank you! BTW, are there digital pianos produced in a country where folks have smaller hands (Japan, perhaps?)

[@PlayPianoChords]

@@Gailrstarr Unfortunately no. It makes sense, however, there seems to be a stigma that narrow keys may be cheating. Nothing could be further from the truth which is why we need to keep lobbying the manufacturers and let them know this is a product we will buy.

[@Gailrstarr]

PlayPianoChords Goodness, how can it be considered “cheating” when we get injuries from playing a typical keyboard?

[@PlayPianoChords]

@@Gailrstarr My thoughts exactly!

[@mercuryli3872]

Thank you so much for this video!! My father discouraged me from playing piano when I was 4 or 5, saying I have hands too small to become a pianist anyway. I stopped taking lessons after about a year of learning, but my love for piano inexplicably grew as I grew up. I literally dreamed about playing piano many many times, and woke up in disappointment. I started taking lessons again 5 months ago, almost 3 decades since I stopped. My teacher marveled at how much I still have, and I progressed fast. But I have a deep sense of loss cuz I could have played all these years! My hand span is only 7'' so an octave is already at my limit...I have to change chords whenever I run into 9th and 10th. My dream now is to be able to play Chopin. PS when I told my parents that I had started taking piano lessons again, their first reaction was "But you've got small hands..." ヽ(￣д￣;)ノ

[@kingamu4703]

Mercury Li Your parents are your worst enemies. Ignore them.

[@ValkyRiver]

@Mercury Li say this to your parents (Quote by Tiffany Goff) "There is a sort of accepted culture in classical piano. And I did experience this from a very young age, asking is this person’s hand too small to play the piano? Should we be discouraging this person from pursuing music at a professional or just a very high level? And it’s absolutely the wrong question. The instrument is a tool, instrument is a synonym for tool. So the question we should be asking is, is this piano too big for this individual? And if the answer is yes, then that individual should absolutely have an instrument of a suitable size."

[@PayoStories]

HOW are these keyboards still not a thing in 2021 ? I want to learn the piano so bad but I'm experiencing pain trying to hit octaves...

[@Li-yt7zh]

Thank you for sharing! Such a rare instrument :D. I think your hand size is pretty good though, bigger than mine. I spend about half an hour stretching them at the keyboard before playing 6th+ spans which helps a lot (they seem to go back tighter after a few hours lol). I have little trouble playing anything under the sun though. Comfortable octaves are all that are necessary even at the world class concert pianist level - many examples in history. From your demo at the regular size keyboard, you just need to develop octaves to be more comfortable & increase strength + pliability because your actual span is not bad at all!! :) I think most people with less slender fingers would find a narrower keyboard even more challenging re the spacing, but the idea is definitely valid. We have 1/32nd violins all the way up to 1.3 violins aka violas after all XD! Also due to differences in finger length ratios and geometries, folks can try for smoother octaves using not only the 1-5 fingers but 1-4 or 1-3. My pinky is pretty short so 1-3 goes pretty much as far as my 1-5. I also spend much time playing my own stretching exercises given my "late start" & lack of hand growth :P

[@larghedoggo9607]

It's so unfair for small hand pianists and people still saying: Nah~ It's about technique 🙄 Even that sincerely lady Jocelyn who try to help small hand players with this etude(also on youtube), she actually has big hand(reaching 10th), promoting Ilama position instead of stretching. HOWEVER, her demostration while playing fast as usualy, guess what? She uses exactly that higher efficiency stretching instead of what her mentioned(ilama extra rotation move). I mean, another method only make you "reaching" it but still impossible to play at fast tempo.(or you just sacrifice the musicality like Linda, who is a professional pianist) It's way too often big hand players online talking about"technique" and trying to teach small hand people. It only gives false hope to those people and blaming themselves for not having good technique or not working hard(which is not true). Truth is: the size really matter!(and a lot), if you can only reach edge of 9th(or if you have even smaller hands). Unless you just want to play some modern chilling pieces instead of being serious or don't want to limit yourself! Thanks for sharing, I hope I got one here in Taiwan, is it possible to ship?

[@PlayPianoChords]

You are right, it is next to impossible for large handed players to understand the difficulties. That is why we have the Goliath key challenge. Maybe we should do a video of that! It is such a JOY when those difficulties disappear on narrow key pianos. And Yes we are processing our first international shipping this month. Narrow key digital pianos are going to parts of Asia and Europe. We are very excited.T

[@blomrj]

Fascinating! My hands are big for a woman but a 10th is not all that comfortable. As I age, I am developing a bit of arthritis in my wrists and thumbs. This would alleviate the difficulty.

[@mickistirling6633]

Great Video Linda! Brava and good luck.

[@PlayPianoChords]

Thanks for watching!

[@itis4137]

I think it would be great but more than 2 sizes to choose from would be very difficult to manufacture and the costs will go up but if you're willing to pay I think it should happen.

[@PlayPianoChords]

Two sizes, a 6.0" octave and a 5.5" octave seem to have the greatest ability to improve the piano playing experience for most. It all comes down to volume and orders.

[@robertdeschu4367]

I want one so bad!! I’ve always dreamed of being able to comfortably play a 10!

[@PlayPianoChords]

Best dream ever! I hope you get one.

[@ayokay123]

I'd have KILLED for a 7/8ths keyboard growing up. I'm a guy with small-medium hands and can only reach a couple of 10ths at the very tips of the keys....and definitely not well enough for confidence. I always find myself breaking chords, using inversions, or rolls.....which all suck. I sure as heck wish that smaller keyboards were more ubiquitous.

[@PlayPianoChords]

It's a game changer. Thanks for your comment!

[@kingamu4703]

i agree

[@smallhands402]

Where can I buy this 5.5 piano? This can absolutely enhance my playing!!

[@PlayPianoChords]

At the moment they are available in acoustic only. paskpiano.org/retail-stores-and-pop-ups/ Good luck!

[@justnormalgurl2050]

where did u buy it?

[@PlayPianoChords]

Here's a couple of links. I purchased my narrow key retrofit here. dsstandardfoundation.org/ And I purchased my narrow key digital piano here www.narrowkeys.com/ I hope you find what you are looking for!

[@barnettbursley7789]

I agree one hundred percent. But how do you get the major piano companies on board. The market is shrinking and they refuse to believe that it's anything more than aging demographics. I would buy a digital small sized piano keyboard in a heart beat. I have just started to learn to play and bought a Yamaha silent piano so that my family doesn't have to be tortured by my practice. When I get to 2 years and can play more competently then I will buy a small keyboard acoustic piano. Until then I will continue to use the silent piano. What a shame that some company won't give it a try. I know that when my son was young he struggled because of his small hands when learning to play. It would have been great if his piano matched his size as with violins and cellos. I think the key entry point is going to be an electric digital piano, not an acoustic piano. Thanks for the video. Go sign the petition. And the next time you are in a music store let the owner or manager know that you will be first in line if they ever carry a narrow keyboard.

[@PlayPianoChords]

I love the idea about letting piano stores know you will be first in line to buy a narrow key keyboard!

[@hanhelimax]

wow. I'm a very occasional piano player but, this video should have 63000 comments and 1.63 million views~!!!! I have a slightly small hands and narrow keys would change the game!

[@PlayPianoChords]

You get it!

[@alisacs_f.l1312]

Wow! I've never know that, thanks Linda, also.. When can I buy a piano for my size😅???

[@PlayPianoChords]

Check out paskpiano.org/manufacturers-technicians/ for a list of options.

[@Dielan91]

Wow! Thak you so much for this video! I agree with you! Its the century 21 and rhe piano can evolution like other instruments, for to be more comfortable, I have same size's hands than you! And you are amezing playing wow!

[@Stoic_Serenity_52]

Then my dream to reach a comfortable 12 is possible after all...

[@douglascutler1037]

Seriously dude, I can reach a comfortable 13th. Or literally . . . interval fill-in-the-blank. Shhhaaa . . . So could any of my 9 year old piano students. I'm not joking. Look me up - I'm on the Tube. "Impossible Chords Made Easy" is one of my slogans and boy do I DELIVER! But it seems the concept has gone over everyone's head. So few paying attention. No matter, I have other things to do. I will circle back when the time comes. Meantime consider this: for 1500 years, from 500BC to 1000AD the Western musical keyboard had ZERO raised accidentals. Just a flat row of wooden keys laid out like an African xylophone and presenting only the ancient modes. The hydraulis organ it was called. From ancient Greece. Later it became the antiquitious pipe organ in Rome. Look it up. Then after 1500 YEARS! some genius named Guido D'Arezzo had the bright idea to EXPAND TONAL OPTIONS BY ADDING NEW PITCH LOCATIONS. The B flat came first and thus the familiar shape of the flat sign was born. Brilliant, now those aging monks who couldn't reach the top notes in Dorian anymore had a second choice. The idea proved so powerful other chromatic tones were soon added and the Western 12 note chromatic scale emerged. And to think they just squeezed all those new notes in where they could between the existing naturals. So now, if you actually bother to track down my video what will you see? AN EXPANSION OF TONAL OPTIONS BY ADDING NEW PITCH LOCATIONS!!! EXACT same design principal. First principal thinking, baby. Plus, the product version would probably cost under $300. Shallow learning curve, too. But I guess it's just too soon.

[@Stoic_Serenity_52]

I'm just 5'5 ½ that's why my handspan is only 24 cm. Maybe if I was just taller like the average which is 5'10, I guess I can reach 13ths then...

[@douglascutler1037]

@@Stoic_Serenity_52 Yes, you just might play a 13th someday. I'm working on it. Got some other stuff to do first. If I don't get to it before I die I will post a simple way to make a DIY dual elevation keyboard.

[@TheChatsiri]

I hope the piano company watch this video.

[@douglascutler1037]

Or maybe some plucky startup . . .

[@endreask]

I can reach a 9th and I injured my wrist playing La Campanella.

[@PlayPianoChords]

I am very sorry to hear that. I hope you recover soon.

[@ILexe]

i don't want to take the habit of playing on a small piano.

[@PlayPianoChords]

I understand your concern. I had the same one. What if I told you it was a GOOD habit? That it actually helps you become a better, more accurate, and more musical player on the regular sized keys. There is no issue moving from one size to another after you have adjusted (which takes a few hours of playing). Here is a video playing Maple Leaf Rag on 4 sizes of piano keys... kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZysq2CrppqAlc0

[@NegativeReferral]

Mini-sized keys are becoming pretty popular in the world of synths and digital keyboards. You can readily buy professional-quality synths with mini keys. Maybe real piano companies can take some notes?

[@PlayPianoChords]

We are hoping!

[@armandoramos3106]

Algunas mini teclas no son proporcionales o, aunque son más estrechas, son demasiado cortas

[@Phlypour]

They do produce small midi controllers with smaller keys. I can't cleanly play 10th even on those. It's ridiculous why in the 21th century they still cannot create more standards reg. key sizes. I consider it a rasism!

[@PlayPianoChords]

It is rather perplexing.

[@hitten03]

Piano is too expensive to produce with different sizes. The answer is always MONEY in this world. Ecclesiastes 10:9 Bread is made for laughter, and wine gladdens life, and money answers everything. God Bless

[@PlayPianoChords]

I understand where you are coming from. Regarding economic solutions, let's play What If? What if concert halls had one piano with 3 actions that slide into the piano? A 6.5 octave a 6.0 octave and a 5.5 octave. Same piano, 3 sizes, takes 5 mins to set up. What if digital pianos came in different sizes? Maybe more people would play the piano if they could have a comfortable hand and there would be more sales. Thanks for watching!

[@hitten03]

@@PlayPianoChords Question. If you have 3 action of different sizes and the strings are stationary that would neccesitate the smaller actions to be at an angle to hit the right strings?

[@PlayPianoChords]

@@hitten03 100% correct. Creating those angles was an engineering feat David Steinbuhler achieved.