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Are 88 Keys the Key to Dexterity? Playing the Piano and Its Effects on Manual Dexterity

CSEF · 2013 Mammalian Biology

Kellen J. Anielski · Marshall (Thurgood) Middle School, San Diego, San Diego County

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objective of this experiment was to find out whether playing the piano increases one#s manual dexterity and if so, to find a numerical percentage of increase. Methods/Materials The experiment consisted of 25 piano players and 25 non-piano players who performed 3 timed tests involving the placement of screws in holes on a wooden board with their dominant and non-dominant hands. Results The averages of all times on the tests showed that on the first test, subjects who played piano completed the test 9.07% faster than those who did not play piano. On the second test, subjects who played piano completed the test 6.16% faster than those who did not. On the 3rd test however, it was found that those who did not play piano completed the test .62% faster than those who did. Using an average of all 3 tests, subjects who played piano exhibited an increase in dexterity of 5.25%. Conclusions/Discussion The results found from the data found showed that playing piano does increase manual dexterity. However the increase depends on the number of years a subject has played piano.

Summary statement

This project was designed to find a difference in the manual dexterity of middle school students who did and did not play piano, and it was found that there was a 5.25% increase in the dexterity of piano players.

Help received

Mrs. Elaine Gillum helped me gather test subjects and guided me through my project. My parents helped and supported me with editing, building the testing board and gathering testing materials. Mrs. Rachel Afualo mentored me for this project.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2013 Mammalian Biology · Entry J1203

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