Investigation of Relationship between Playing the Piano Capability and the Second-to-Fourth Digit (2D:4D) Ratio

Abstract

BACKGROUND In the field of piano playing, the suitability of physical characteristics of individuals, especially at the beginner level, is one of the first criteria considered important for educators. In many studies examining the physical fitness of individuals in sports fields, the importance of the relationship between physical fitness and ability has been revealed. In addition, there are studies examining the physical fitness for playing any instrument in the field of music. However, studies examining the physical characteristics of beginner piano players are very limited. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to investigate the relationship between the physical properties of the hand and the ability to play the piano. In addition, our study is the first to examine the relationship between the second digit and fourth digit ratio and the state of being successful in playing the piano. We also intended to contribute to the literature on this subject. METHODS Among the students who participated in the ballet and piano special talent exam held at Cukurova University State Conservatory in the 2013 and 2015 academic years, students who participated in the piano special talent exam were included in the study. In this exam, the suitability of the candidate to play the piano was evaluated in terms of musical and physical competence. In our study, the second digit and fourth digit length parameters, which include the physical characteristics of the hand, were evaluated. Length measurements were made with a digital display caliper. Students between the ages of 8 and 11 who participated in the piano talent exam were divided into two groups as those who were successful and those who were unsuccessful in the talent test. RESULTS The number of successful girls was 20 and the average length of the second digit 6.00±0.50 cm, mean fourth digit length; 5.90±0.40 cm, the number of unsuccessful girls was 17, the average of the second length; 5.98±0.48 cm, and the mean fourth digit length was 5.89±0.48 cm. The number of successful men was 15, and the mean length of the second digit; 6.55±0.36 cm, mean fourth digit length; 6.61±0.47 cm, the number of unsuccessful men was 17, the mean length of the second digit; 6.46±0.52 cm, mean fourth digit length; 6.52±0.55 cm were found. CONCLUSIONS There was no significant relationship between the piano playing ability and the second digit and fourth digit length ratios. We think that this is due to the evaluation of factors such as the level of development of the sensorimotor and neuromuscular system, the level of auditory proficiency, and coordination, not only with the anatomical suitability factors, in the scoring of the talent exam. Therefore, we can say that being successful in playing the piano does not depend only on digit lengths.