Adaptive Strategies for Small-Handed Pianists

<p><em>Adaptive Strategies for Small-Handed Pianists</em> brings together information from biomechanics ergonomics physics anatomy medicine and piano pedagogy to focus on the subject of small-handedness. The first comprehensive study of its kind the book opens with an overview of historical anatomical and pedagogical perspectives and redresses long-held biases concerning those who struggle at the piano because of issues with hand size. A discussion of work efficiency the human anatomy and the constraints of physics serves as the theoretical basis for a focused analysis of healthy movement and piano technique as they relate to small-handedness. Separate chapters deal with specific alternative approaches: redistribution refingering strategies to maximize reach and power and musical solutions for technical problems. Richly illustrated with hundreds of examples from a wide range of piano repertoire the book is an incomparable resource for piano teachers and students written in language that is accessible to a broad audience. It balances scholastic rigor with practical experience in the field to demonstrate that the unique physical and musical needs of the small-handed can be addressed in sensitive and appropriate ways.</p>