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A modified keyboard
for small hands

Pianist Hilda Huang currently plays a Steinway & Sons grand piano on loan from the Musical Instrument Fund. She recently submitted a special request to the fund: a customized keyboard with narrower keys, designed specifically for pianists with smaller hands. The Musical Instrument Fund has initiated the development of this innovative, interchangeable keyboard and is asking for your support to bring this project to fruition.

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A smaller size

Hilda has small hands, which means that intensive practice and performances on a standard keyboard can lead to strain and injuries. She therefore submitted a request for a modified keyboard with narrower keys.

Internationally, there is also a growing awareness that standard-sized keyboards are not equally suitable for every pianist. Fortunately, there is increasing interest in smaller-sized alternatives.

Several piano builders have already been working on such solutions. For example, the Chris Maene Atelier in Belgium developed custom keyboards for musicians such as Daniel Barenboim and Krystian Zimerman, as well as for architect Rafael Viñoly—one of which is even slightly curved!

The Maene-Viñoly concert grand piano with a curved keyboard

Several leading music schools, including those in the U.S. and Germany, have also added modified keyboards to their instrument collections. Recently, the Conservatorium van Amsterdam gave pianist and instructor David Kuyken the go-ahead to make such a keyboard available in Amsterdam.

Experience and research show that playing on a narrower keyboard does not pose an obstacle during lessons or concerts. Pianists can switch to a standard keyboard without any problems when necessary.

Working Together to Find a Solution

Frits Schutte, head of collections at the Musical Instrument Fund, met with David Kuyken of the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and with Andriessen Pianos & Grand Pianos to carefully discuss Hilda’s application and the available options. After a brief period of deliberation, the Musical Instrument Fund decided to embrace Hilda’s dream and actively contribute ideas toward finding a suitable solution. This effort involves collaboration with two organizations with extensive experience and expertise in the field of keyboards: Atelier Chris Maene (Ruiselede) and Kluge Klaviaturen (Hamburg).

We are having the interchangeable keyboard built for a Steinway grand piano other than the one Hilda currently plays. This Steinway A (1999) was recently bequeathed to the foundation by a private individual and is a magnificent instrument. The original keyboard of that instrument will, of course, be preserved and is interchangeable.

By actively encouraging and supporting new, innovative projects—such as the “customization” and improvement of instruments—the Musical Instrument Fund aims to keep pace with developments in the Dutch music scene.

Top: traditional Steinway. Bottom: Maene-Barenboim grand piano with a smaller keyboard.

The adjustment

To convert a standard 88-key keyboard to a narrower keyboard, several time-consuming tasks must be completed:

  • Create a computer-aided drawing of the existing keyboard so that the layout of the keys beneath the action remains identical to the original;

  • Adapt the design for a narrower keyboard and reposition the balance pins and front guides;

  • Fabricate the new keyboard frame, key height, and felts according to the original model;

  • Modify the keyboard blocks to fill the space created on the sides;

  • A carrying case for the action and the keyboard.

The total cost of this interchangeable keyboard is €30,000. We can cover half of that amount with our own funds, but we are still short on the rest. With the support of committed donors, we hope to make this special project a reality.

Hilda Huang

‘I am honored by the support of the foundation.
I know it means a lot to very many people,
of all ages and from all places.’

— Hilda Huang

Help Make Hilda's Dream Come True

It would be wonderful if you could contribute to this special and innovative project. Your donation will help us build the custom keyboard and cover the costs of organization, transportation, and other necessary work. In addition, your support will enable Hilda to continue her studies in good health and further develop her skills as a pianist.

Thank you very much for your support, also on behalf of Hilda.

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