Transitioning from Narrow to Regular-Sized Piano Keys
As a pianist with small hands, transitioning to narrow key pianos was a game-changer. The ergonomic benefits and increased accessibility made my practice sessions more enjoyable and productive. However, an unexpected performance opportunity led to a rather amusing—and enlightening—experience that I’d love to share with you.
The Setup: A Unique Opportunity
In 1997, I received narrow keys for my Yamaha grand piano from David Steinbuhler. Practicing on narrower keys became my new normal, and I quickly adapted to the size and the greater control I felt. Little did I know, this adaptation would lead to a memorable—and somewhat nerve-wracking—experience.
A renowned flautist from New York, Keith Underwood, was visiting Victoria to perform at the University Farquhar Auditorium. He had chosen a Latin piece that required improvisation, but his regular accompanist wasn’t comfortable with improvisation. As luck would have it, I was recommended for the performance, and we scheduled a rehearsal at my music studio.
The Rehearsal: Smooth Sailing
Our rehearsal went off without a hitch. Keith was pleased with our synergy, and I was thrilled to collaborate with such a talented musician. My confidence was high, thanks to practicing on narrow keys, and everything seemed perfectly aligned for the upcoming performance.
The Performance: A Sudden Realization
The day of the performance arrived, and as I walked on stage and bowed to the audience, a surge of excitement filled me. I sat down at the piano, ready to dive into the music, when it suddenly hit me—I hadn’t played on regular-sized keys in over three months!
Panic set in for a brief moment. The keys in front of me looked large and daunting. Keith was poised with his flute, ready to begin. I had no choice but to push through the fear and start playing.
The Unexpected Outcome: Triumph Over Fear
I took a deep breath and dove into the performance. Despite my initial terror, my fingers adapted immediately. After all, the key combinations were the same, no matter the width—and that’s what truly mattered. There were a few notes I had to leave out—notes I could have easily reached on the narrow keys—but overall, the performance went smoothly.
The next thing I knew, the piece was over, and the audience erupted into thunderous applause. I was both relieved and exhilarated. To my astonishment, there had been no major transition issues. I had played comfortably and passionately.
The Lesson: Overcoming Fear
This experience taught me a profound lesson: fear often holds us back more than the challenges themselves. My initial apprehension about returning to regular-sized keys proved unfounded. In truth, our capacity for adaptability is far greater than we give it credit for.
Playing on narrow keys enhanced both my technique and confidence, and those gains translated effortlessly to standard keys. What began as a performance mishap transformed into a triumph, underscoring an important truth: embracing opportunities—even those that seem intimidating—can lead to remarkable growth.
Conclusion: Embrace the Unexpected
Switching from narrow to regular-sized keys might seem daunting to most, but my experience revealed that the transition can be far easier than anticipated. Fear has a way of amplifying challenges, yet confronting those fears often leads to unanticipated success.
Whether you’re a pianist exploring narrow keys or a musician navigating any significant change, trust in your skills and adaptability to guide you through. Embrace the unexpected—it may surprise you just how much you’re capable of achieving.
The next time you face an unfamiliar or challenging situation, take a deep breath and dive in. You never know what amazing accomplishments lie on the other side of your fears. After all, it’s the unexpected moments that often lead to the most memorable experiences.
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